Vietnam PM Urges Expansion of Macadamia Cultivation in Điện Biên to Boost Local Economy
Điện Biên, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Sunday encouraged farmers in the northern province of Điện Biên to expand macadamia cultivation and transform the region’s mountainous landscapes into sustainable economic resources.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a visit to a model macadamia plantation in Huổi Tao B Village, Pu Nhi Commune, where he highlighted the region’s potential for developing both macadamia and coffee cultivation.
Chính said that government support should be provided to growers during the initial stages of cultivation, particularly during the first five years for macadamia and the first three years for coffee, to ensure stable production and long-term profitability.
He called on local authorities to improve agricultural planning, avoid fragmented farming practices and promote stronger linkages between farmers, businesses and markets.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of applying science and technology to increase productivity and crop quality, expanding processing capacity and developing strong product branding and packaging. He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between enterprises and farmers or agricultural cooperatives.
Under such partnerships, enterprises could supply seedlings and fertilizers, banks could provide credit support and scientific institutions could assist with technological expertise.
During the visit, Chính presented gifts to outstanding households engaged in macadamia cultivation and praised their contributions to local economic development.
He encouraged residents to explore additional crops and livestock suitable for intercropping, make optimal use of land resources, strengthen cooperation among households and enterprises and participate in cooperatives to enhance agricultural productivity and prosperity.
The high-tech macadamia plantation project in Pu Nhi Commune, funded by HD Kinh Bắc Joint Stock Company, covers a total area of 761.7 hectares. Macadamia trees have been planted since 2021, with 470 hectares cultivated so far, including 450 hectares managed directly by the enterprise and 20 hectares developed by 27 households from the Thái and Mông ethnic communities.
Before the project began, local residents primarily cultivated traditional crops such as upland rice, maize and cassava, which generated relatively low incomes of around VNĐ3 million per hectare after costs and labour.
The macadamia trees are expected to begin producing fruit in 2027. By the tenth year, yields are projected to reach about 10 kilograms per tree, generating more than VNĐ80 million per hectare and significantly improving local incomes.
The project has also created regular and seasonal employment opportunities for hundreds of local workers, most of whom belong to Thái and Mông ethnic groups.
As part of his working visit to Điện Biên Province, Prime Minister Chính also paid tribute to national heroes and martyrs ahead of the 72nd anniversary of the historic Điện Biên Phủ Victory on May 7, 1954.
He offered incense and flowers at the Hồ Chí Minh Memorial House at the E2 Hill historical site, the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield Martyrs’ Temple and the A1 Martyrs’ Cemetery.
The Prime Minister and accompanying officials expressed their deep gratitude to President Hồ Chí Minh and the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the historic campaign that led to Vietnam’s decisive victory over French colonial forces in 1954.
During the solemn ceremonies, the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to following the ideals, morality and vision of President Hồ Chí Minh while working to build a prosperous, civilized and thriving Vietnam where the people enjoy increasing well-being and happiness.
