The Dền Sáng area 'brightens up' thanks to lilies.

LAO CAI: From a disadvantaged mountainous commune, lily cultivation has helped Den Sang commune (Lao Cai) become a shining example of economic development.

Located at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level, Den Sang commune (Lao Cai province) enjoys a cool climate year-round, making it ideal for lily cultivation. In recent years, along with the shift in crop structure, lilies have become a new crop contributing to the economic development of Den Sang residents, providing stable income and helping to build a new rural area in the highlands. From a disadvantaged highland commune, lily cultivation has transformed Den Sang into a shining example of economic development.

Lilies are becoming a new crop that provides stable income and contributes to the development of new rural areas in Den Sang. Photo: Bich Hop.

However, Dền Sáng also faces many difficulties in production. Lilies are sensitive to unfavorable environmental conditions and are easily affected by pests and diseases, especially bulb rot, root rot, and harmful fungi in the soil.

Previously, farmers mainly treated plants with chemical pesticides when they detected diseases, leading to increased costs and inconsistent product quality. Mr. Giàng Seo Páo, a lily grower in Dền Sáng commune, shared: “Growing lilies is very hard work. Before, without proper techniques, the only option was to spray pesticides when the plants got sick. In humid seasons, there were many pests and diseases, the flowers were uneven, the bulbs rotted, and the losses were significant,” Mr. Páo said.

Given this reality, the application of integrated plant health management (IPHM) in lily production is considered a necessary step to help people change their production practices, improve economic efficiency, and protect the environment.

Farmers in Den Sang commune have mastered the technique of growing clean, safe, and green lilies. Photo: Bich Hop.

Mr. Luu Chung Thanh, Head of the Economic Department of Den Sang Commune, shared: "To manage and protect the health of lily plants, we have to coordinate with technical staff to monitor the plant's growth process, update indicators on soil moisture, temperature, nutrients, and signs of pests and diseases. We regularly coordinate with technical staff to periodically go down to the fields to inspect and guide people on how to recognize early signs of abnormalities, thereby helping people understand that plants also have health. When the soil is degraded, beneficial microorganisms decrease, and plants are more susceptible to disease."

Instead of only using pesticides when disease appears, farmers are guided on how to improve soil, use organic fertilizers and biological products, and keep records of the entire cultivation process. Thanks to this specific guidance, many lily growers have boldly adopted the new process: cleaning the soil, treating the bulbs with biological products, using a water-saving drip irrigation system, and only spraying pesticides when absolutely necessary.

The people of Dền Sáng are increasingly focusing on applying organic and sustainable techniques in lily production. Photo: Bích Hợp.

Ms. Tan San May, a lily grower in Ngai Cho village, Den Sang commune, happily shared: "Previously, we had to spray pesticides up to ten times per season, which was very costly. Now, with the new method, we only spray a few times, the plants are healthier, the flowers are more uniform, we can sell them at a higher price, and the environment is less toxic. Especially, keeping a log of plant care helps people easily control the production process, facilitating product traceability – a prerequisite for Den Sang lilies to participate in the high-end flower supply chain."

After more than a year of implementation, the integrated plant health management model for lilies in Dền Sáng has initially yielded positive results. Pest and disease rates have decreased by 40-50%, yields have increased by 10-15%, and pesticide costs have decreased by more than 30%. The lily plants are developing uniformly, with strong stems, large buds, long-lasting flower color, and less flower drop...

Besides the economic benefits, it's encouraging that the awareness of flower growers has changed significantly. They are no longer entirely dependent on chemical pesticides but are proactively preventing diseases through biological methods and sustainable land management. Some households have formed cooperatives, sharing data on lily care through mobile applications, and jointly adjusting watering and fertilization schedules to suit the weather.

The lily fields in Den Sang help local people develop their economy and achieve sustainable poverty reduction. Photo: Bich Hop.

Mr. Pham Trung Kiem, Chairman of the People's Committee of Den Sang commune, said: "This model helps people access modern science and technology, produce more safely, and achieve more stable yields. Most importantly, the people trust in this new method. The commune will continue to expand the area of ​​application, striving to form a high-quality lily production area with its own brand."

To date, many traders from Hanoi , Hai Phong, and Nam Dinh have proactively come to Den Sang to purchase lilies. Several export businesses have also begun to show interest because the product has consistent quality, beautiful colors, a long-lasting freshness, and meets the standards of demanding markets.

The lily fields in Den Sang are gradually transforming, becoming greener, cleaner, and more economically efficient. Farmers here are not only learning how to grow beautiful flowers but also how to maintain the health of the soil, the plants, and themselves. This small but significant step is opening up a sustainable development path for the flower industry in Lao Cai, contributing to the goal of green, circular agriculture and climate change adaptation.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/den-sang-sang-len-nho-hoa-ly-d784468.html