The golden season in Huong Lap border commune.

(PLVN) - From the terraced rice fields in the remote border region of Huong Lap commune (Quang Tri province), the bountiful winter-spring rice harvest not only brings joy and prosperity to the Van Kieu people but also reflects the effectiveness of the transformation of production methods, ensuring food security and sustainable poverty reduction in the border area.

Nestled in the Trường Sơn mountain range, during the month of May, Hướng Lập border commune in Quảng Trị province is adorned with the vibrant colors of a bountiful harvest. On the terraced rice fields stretching at the foot of the mountains, the Vân Kiều ethnic minority people are busy harvesting their winter-spring rice crop, celebrating a bountiful harvest. The sound of threshing machines mingles with the joyful laughter and chatter of the villagers. Bundles of heavy-grained rice are gathered neatly along the edge of the golden fields.

Few people know that in border areas like Huong Lap, which still face many obstacles in terms of natural conditions and infrastructure, rice cultivation has now become an important pillar in the people's journey to poverty reduction.

The villagers harvest the rice and bring it home.

Previously, agricultural practices were primarily based on slash-and-burn farming with low yields and heavy reliance on weather. However, in recent years, thanks to the support of local authorities and the agricultural sector, the Van Kieu people have gradually changed their production mindset, adopted new farming techniques, and mastered wet rice cultivation.

Ms. Ho Thi Ma Ri, from Xa Dung village, Huong Lap commune, happily shared that this year's winter-spring crop, planted 4 sao (approximately 0.4 hectares) of rice, yielded a much higher harvest than in previous years. "With a full granary, the family is less worried about running out of rice. Life is also less difficult, and we have better conditions to take care of our children's education," Ms. Ri said.

That joy is not just the story of one family, but is present in many villages in the border region of Huong Lap during this year's harvest season.

According to local authorities, the entire commune currently has over 377 hectares of cultivated land, of which rice accounts for over 204 hectares, with a total estimated food production of over 633 tons. This year alone, during the winter-spring crop season, the locality planted nearly 80 hectares, achieving an average yield of over 4.3 tons/ha thanks to favorable weather conditions and adherence to the planting schedule.

The joy of a bountiful rice harvest.

Notably, key rice varieties such as Khang Dan and HT1 continue to demonstrate good adaptability to the specific soil and climate conditions of the highland border region, which is frequently affected by intense heat and the Lao wind.

The bountiful harvests we see today are the result of a persistent, hands-on approach from local officials and relevant departments. From providing plant varieties and guidance on land preparation, care, and pest control to establishing appropriate planting schedules, each stage of production has been closely supported by the local authorities in collaboration with the people.

Golden rice fields in the Trường Sơn mountain range.

Mr. Tran Minh Tam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Huong Lap commune, said that in the coming time, the locality will continue to guide people to develop production towards a commodity-based approach, improving the quality of commercial rice products to create a stable source of income and gradually improve the lives of people in the border region.

In reality, the story of the golden harvest in Huong Lap is not simply about the joy of a bountiful crop. Behind the golden grains of rice lies the effectiveness of changes in production methods, the result of well-directed economic development policies for ethnic minority and mountainous regions.

More importantly, the development of rice cultivation has contributed to solving the problem of local food security – a particularly significant factor in border areas facing numerous difficulties. As food security is gradually improved, people have better conditions to stabilize their lives, provide for their children's education, and gradually escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

From the golden fields of the Truong Son mountain range today, a new face is gradually taking shape in Huong Lap – a place where sustainable livelihoods not only help preserve the land and villages but also foster greater confidence among the people in this border region of the Fatherland.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/mua-vang-noi-xa-bien-gioi-huong-lap.html