Improve land use efficiency

Intensified farming practices and increased crop yields in San Thang commune (Lai Chau city) over the past years have contributed to improved land use efficiency and economic value per unit area. This has created a sustainable economic development direction for farmers.

Every time we visit Xeo Xin Chai village, we feel the abundance of the land here. Each season brings its own crops; from the fields to the gardens, everything is covered in the green of corn, rice, and vegetables. Village head Vu Van Nhip said: Currently, the villagers are focusing on planting corn for the summer-autumn crop and tending to the spring-summer corn crop. Previously, households mainly cultivated rice during the rainy season. To improve land use efficiency, the village has promoted and encouraged intensive farming and intercropping of corn and vegetables. As a result, on more than 50 hectares of agricultural land, households are competing in production with the motto "never let the land rest"; income is steadily improving, averaging over 50 million VND per person per year.
For example, in Thanh Cong village, 40 hectares of tea plantations are becoming one of the main crops, providing a primary source of income for many households. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhan shared: "My family cultivates nearly 1 hectare of tea, harvesting about 40-50 quintals of fresh tea leaves each time. For almost 10 years, tea cultivation has provided my family with a stable income, averaging over 50 million VND per year. My family also grows three crops of corn to feed livestock and sell to the market."
In recent years, many households in San Thang commune have switched to new crops, creating new agricultural products associated with improving neglected gardens and developing agricultural commodities. Walking along the roads and alleys of the commune, we noticed that even in difficult-to-cultivate areas in the fields, hillsides, and home gardens, people are utilizing the land to grow grass for animal feed.

The people of Thanh Cong village (San Thang commune) plant corn during the spring and summer seasons.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Huong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of San Thang commune, to improve land use efficiency, the commune focuses on disseminating information, mobilizing, and guiding people to change the crop structure, emphasizing intensive farming and increasing crop yields. For example, 1 hectare of land planted with only one rice crop yields 50 million VND per year, but with the addition of corn or other crops, the income can double or even more. One household, then several households implementing this effectively, will create a ripple effect. That is why currently, all cultivated land in the commune is being used by people to ensure seasonal production with a variety of crops. The commune also encourages people to increase production according to their needs and capabilities. During the production process, the commune's agricultural officials closely monitor the fields, guiding people to sow and plant according to the correct timeframe and schedule; applying scientific and technical methods in cultivation and harvesting; and focusing on pest and disease control measures. Currently, the prolonged heatwave coincides with the planting season for the summer-autumn corn crop. The commune has also disseminated information and reminded people to focus on implementing measures to prevent and combat drought for their crops.
In San Thang commune, the total area of grain crops reached 553.5 hectares, with a production of 2,797 tons (799.1 tons of rice and 1,997.8 tons of corn); and 87 hectares of other crops with a production of 869.4 tons. To ensure successful harvests, the commune People's Committee directed villages to organize households to register for crop varieties; dredge and repair irrigation canals; apply scientific and technological advancements to production; and develop specialized production areas. As a result, by the end of 2023, the average per capita income of the commune reached 55 million VND/year; and the poverty rate decreased to 1.69%.

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