Stable crop production, with fruit cultivation remaining a key strength
The province sowed 13,190 hectares of winter-spring rice, up 1.8% year-on-year; maize covered 3,091 hectares (up 11.95%), vegetables 6,316 hectares (up 1.32%), and legumes 168 hectares (up 19.5%). Total fruit cultivation area (excluding  docynia indica) reached 73,711 hectares, a 3.85% increase, with an estimated provincial fruit output of 215,760 tons. Of this, mango continued to lead with 79,000 tons, followed by plum at 97,600 tons and banana at 31,560 tons.

Perennial industrial crops remained stable, totaling 34,749 hectares, mainly focused on coffee (23,620 hectares), tea (5,912 hectares), and rubber (5,216 hectares). The province continued maintaining its system of planting area codes and packing facilities to support agricultural exports, with 213 certified growing area codes and eight packing facilities in operation.

Local farmers share their experiences and provide guidance on coffee cultivation

Livestock production expand, effective disease control

Animal husbandry in Son La continued to grow steadily in the first half of 2025. The province's pig herd increased by 8.74% to 772,286 heads, while the dairy cow population rose by 3.1% to 27,720. The total poultry count exceeded 8.3 million. Although some isolated outbreaks of animal diseases were reported, they were promptly contained by veterinary authorities. Localities also strengthened vaccination efforts, disinfection measures, and animal quarantine procedures.

Forestry and aquaculture develop sustainably

Over the past six months, Son La planted 70.7 hectares of new forest, primarily in Moc Chau and Van Ho districts, focusing on high-value timber and medicinal plant species. Forest rangers handled 151 violations, contributing over VND 2 billion to the state budget. However, 13 forest fires were reported across nine districts, highlighting the need to enhance fire prevention and control, especially during the dry season.

Aquaculture production reached 3,333.36 tons, up 4.79% year-on-year, with fish accounting for 3,278 tons. Cage fish farming in hydropower reservoir areas continued to generate high economic returns.

In the coming period, Son La province will continue to focus on developing a modern, sustainable agricultural sector by applying high technologies, expanding concentrated production zones, ensuring traceability, and improving product quality for both domestic consumption and export. The province also aims to strengthen production–consumption linkages, support the effective operation of enterprises and cooperatives, and fully leverage local strengths for agricultural development.

Quoc Tuan

Translated by Huyen Vu