In early April, the Hmong people in Khao Mang were busy weeding their fields to grow mini corn. Giang A Lau, from Trong La village – a pioneering household in the crop restructuring program and also the household with the largest area of mini corn cultivation in Khao Mang – happily shared: "In the past, growing regular corn was very hard work, only enough for livestock feed. Now, with mini corn, traders come directly to the fields to place orders in advance. Sometimes, the price goes up to 5,000-6,000 dong per ear, and we don't have enough to sell..."
Looking back, about 5-7 years ago, the people of Khao Mang began planting mini corn varieties with the hope of escaping poverty and changing their lives. Initially, only a few households planted them on small areas, totaling less than 3 hectares in the entire commune at that time. By 2026, the total area planted with mini corn in Khao Mang commune had exceeded 60 hectares. This is an impressive figure, showing a strong shift in the production mindset of the people.
Over the past period, Khao Mang commune has guided its people, provided technical support, and found markets for its mini corn products. People have learned to apply scientific and technical methods in agriculture , and know how to care for the plants to ensure high-quality corn. Mini corn has a harvesting time of about 80-90 days; the average selling price is 40-60 thousand VND/kg. Now, mini corn is available in restaurants and supermarkets, and is a favorite souvenir for many tourists visiting Khao Mang…
Now, the people of Khao Mang are growing mini corn with the mindset of selling what the market needs – a major shift in their economic thinking. Therefore, the people of Khao Mang have grasped customer trends and market demands; and at the same time, they persistently cultivate efficiently to produce quality products...
Khao Mang enjoys a cool climate year-round and unique soil conditions, resulting in a variety of mini corn grown here that boasts a rich, sweet flavor, a chewy texture, and a distinctive aroma. Tourists visit Khao Mang not only to admire the scenery and enjoy the fresh air but also to savor this delicious mini corn.
Mr. Duong Thanh Tung (Cau Giay District, Hanoi) shared: "Previously, when I had the opportunity to visit Mu Cang Chai, I bought mini corn from the Mong Khao Mang people to enjoy and give as gifts. Since then, every time the mini corn season comes around, I order some to be sent back to Hanoi."
The combination of agriculture and tourism services has doubled the value of corn. According to a report by the People's Committee of Khao Mang commune, in 2025, each hectare of mini-corn cultivation will yield an average income of 80 million VND. The corn is sold as soon as it's harvested. Mr. Mua A Sua from Trong La village shared: "My family can't grow enough to sell. Many days, we want to save some to boil and eat, but traders come right to our farm and buy it all..."
Mr. Sung A Binh, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Khao Mang commune, said: "This crop provides a livelihood for the people, so in the future, the locality will expand the area and develop a geographical indication for Khao Mang mini corn, introduce the product into supermarket systems, and move towards forming a specialty raw material area."
Every harvest season, the sight of Hmong women carrying heavy baskets of corn down the mountain on their shoulders not only symbolizes prosperity but also represents a shift in mindset. From barren, gray rocky fields, the people of Khao Mang have creatively transformed "stones into rice," becoming a lesson in being sensitive to market demands and daring to think outside the box to change their destiny on their own land.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/sinh-ke-ben-vung-o-khao-mang-post897840.html
![[Image] Nearly 125,000 Hanoi students completed the Literature exam for the 10th grade entrance exam.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/30/1780117233041_ndo_br_thiet-ke-chua-co-ten-2-png.webp)
Comment (0)