Terraced fields in the Xim Vang highlands

In late May, when the first rains of the season appear, the Mong people in Xim Vang commune, Bac Yen district, are bustling to start the rice planting season. On the terraced fields like piano keys winding along the mountainside, laughter and chatter blend with the rhythm of planting hands, creating a vivid picture, imbued with the colors of the highlands.

Terraced fields in Xim Vang village, Xim Vang commune during the planting season.

Seen from above, Xim Vang appears like a charming landscape painting. The terraced fields stretch along the mountainside, curving softly like shimmering silk ribbons in the early morning sunlight. The silhouettes of diligent workers reflected on the water surface create a peaceful yet bustling scene, everyone hopes for a bountiful harvest.

A corner of terraced fields in Xim Vang commune.

Taking advantage of the sunny weather, Mr. Thao A Lenh, from Song Chong village, and his wife planted rice early in the morning. Mr. Lenh shared: This year, the rain came early, so it was easier to prepare the land and get water for the planting season. The family has more than 2 hectares of terraced fields, so the villagers had to exchange labor to go planting. Now, with the use of plows and harrows, the time to prepare the land and plant rice is faster.

According to Mr. Lenh, the main rice varieties used by farmers are local varieties that are drought-resistant and have few pests. Although the yield is not as high as new varieties, the rice produces fragrant grains, suitable for cultivation conditions on terraced fields.

Ms. Hang Thi Sau, Xim Vang village, said: This year, the family planted more than 1 hectare of local sticky rice and red glutinous rice. Here, there is only one crop, so this is the main source of food for the family to live on all year round. With favorable weather, the family will take good care of the rice to have a bumper crop.

Mong ethnic people in Xim Vang commune grow rice.

In addition to traditional rice varieties, Xim Vang commune also encourages people to experiment with some rice varieties with better yield and quality, which can be replicated if suitable for the soil. In addition, to preserve the terraced landscape, the locality is aiming to build OCOP products from tourism and specialty rice varieties of the highlands here.

Mr. Giang A Nhenh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Xim Vang Commune, said: The commune has more than 716 hectares of terraced fields for growing seasonal rice. So far, people have planted about 60% of the area, expected to be completed in early June. The commune is urging people to plant according to the right time frame, monitor the weather and coordinate with district agricultural officials to propagate sustainable farming techniques. Currently, 9 irrigation works of the commune have been put into use, ensuring water sources for production.

Machines are used by people to prepare the land for planting.

Xim Vang terraced fields are located at an altitude of over 1,500 m above sea level, with beautiful scenery, especially during the rice harvest season, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos. Seizing this opportunity, some households in Xim Vang have begun to build an agricultural tourism model associated with national identity.

Giang A Chênh, a member of the youth start-up group of Xim Vang commune, shared: Before, we were only used to farming. Now seeing the villages in Ta Xua doing tourism effectively, I will follow suit. My dream is to open a small homestay, organizing for tourists to take photos of the flood season and the ripe rice season. If we can do tourism in the village, we won't have to go far to work.

Terraced fields in Xim Vang commune seen from above.

Terraced fields in Song Chong village after planting.

Xim Vang aims to preserve the practice of rice cultivation on terraced fields while harmoniously combining agricultural production and developing community ecotourism. This is considered a potential direction, opening up opportunities to increase income and build sustainable livelihoods for people in the highlands.

Saying goodbye to Xim Vang when the last sunlight of the day seemed to gild the terraced fields shimmering in the flood season. In those fields, the people here still diligently sow and plant crops, continuing the rhythm of life for generations. Now, besides rice, they also sow new dreams of developing tourism, starting a business and of a prosperous future right on their homeland.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/nong-nghiep/ruong-bac-thang-noi-vung-cao-xim-vang-NZoeMNBHg.html