Advanced and high technologies have been increasingly applied at various stages—or across the entire agricultural production chain—to enhance value and improve the competitiveness of agricultural products. Promoting the development of high-tech agricultural zones and regions has become an essential and inevitable trend. As of now, the total cultivated area across the province stands at 251,837 hectares, including 109,938 hectares of perennial crops-an increase of 4.41% compared to the same period in 2024. Fruit trees and son tra (Docynia indica) account for 83,429 hectares, with an estimated fruit yield of 240,736 tons, up 24.17%. Major fruit crops with large growing areas include mango (19,615 ha), longan (19,822 ha), plum (13,450 ha), and banana (5,920 ha).

In high-tech agricultural production, the province has officially recognized eight high-tech crop production zones, including those for mango, custard apple, longan, plum, coffee, tea, and others. Additionally, the province maintains one high-tech dairy farming zone in Moc Chau, which serves as a model example in the application of advanced technologies for housing systems, nutritional management, automated milking, and circular waste treatment.

Until now, the province has installed water-saving irrigation systems (such as drip and sprinkler systems) on a total of 3,891.83 hectares, primarily for fruit trees and vegetables. Additionally, 115.5 hectares of crops are grown in net houses, plastic greenhouses, and glasshouses, contributing to stable yields and improved pest control. A total of 8,534.64 hectares of crops have been cultivated following VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and equivalent agricultural standards, with the majority being fruit crops. The province is currently maintaining 216 planting area codes covering more than 3,090 hectares, serving the export of agricultural products to markets such as China, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. Eight packaging facility codes have also been issued and maintained, ensuring compliance with technical requirements for product pre-processing and packaging according to export standards. Notably, Son La coffee continues to be a highlight, with 23,448 hectares certified under sustainability standards such as 4C and Rainforest Alliance (RA), and an annual certified coffee output exceeding 28,000 tons.

In addition, production linkages between farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises continue to be strengthened. The province has developed raw material zones in collaboration with Doveco Sơn La (covering nearly 20,000 hectares), IC Food, and several other processing and pre-processing enterprises, contributing to an increased proportion of processed and exported agricultural products. In the first six months of the year, more than 12,000 tons of mango, pineapple, passion fruit, sweet corn, and various vegetables were processed. Furthermore, the province is implementing a program to support the transfer of advanced technologies from Israel (through the Thien Tam Fund under Vingroup Group). As part of this initiative, modern drip irrigation systems have already been applied to plum cultivation in Long Phieng and Phieng Khoai (Yen Chau).

These results demonstrate a clear shift in awareness and actions among all levels of government, sectors, and the local population regarding the application of technology in agriculture. In the coming period, Son La province will continue to focus on investing in a skilled workforce and completing projects for high-tech agricultural zones with adequate infrastructure and human resources to support research and project implementation. The province also aims to master advanced technologies while promoting and supporting the dissemination, transfer, and application of scientific and technical innovations in crop, livestock, and aquaculture breeding; pest and disease prevention; and the preservation and processing of agricultural products. These efforts are intended to improve product quality, enhance the value of agricultural goods, and increase competitiveness in the marketplace.

Nguyen Hanh

Translated by Huyen Vu