The Cao Phong orange has emerged as a shining example of sustainable agricultural development in Hoa Binh province, distinguished as the first and only locally produced agricultural product to receive a geographical indication certification. Renowned for its thin skin, juicy flesh, and delicate sweet flavour, the fruit has won the heart of consumers for years. Local farmers have made their efforts to cultivate environmentally friendly and consumer-safe products, creating a stable and sustainable brand identity.
Nguyen Van Truong, a farmer in De hamlet, Bac Phong commune, visits his orange orchard.
Nguyen Van Truong, a farmer from De hamlet in Bac Phong commune, represents the pinnacle of this agricultural ethos. His 17-year-old orange orchard stands as a testament to safe cultivation practices. Truong invested more than 600 million VND (over 23,600 USD) in land improvement, irrigational system, and fertiliser for sustainable plantation practices.
Grown under VietGAP standards, Cao Phong orange boats exceptional taste and ensure absolute consumer safety. Although the method may reduce overall yield as compared to traditional techniques, it is a strategic choice for many farmers who want to maintain, preserve and develop local orange brand.
Agricultural cooperatives have strictly complied with clean orange cultivation over the recent past. Notably, 3TFarm has converted more than 20 hectares of orange plantations to VietGAP standards, committing to supplying the market with environmentally-friendly and safe products.
Cao Phong district is now home to over 715 hectares of oranges. It expects to harvest 20,348 tonnes of the fruit this crop, enjoying an average yield of 302 quintals per hectare.
While only 172 hectares are currently certified under VietGAP, all of the orange plantations are using biological compounds and microbial fertilisers to create safe, high-quality, and ecologically responsible agricultural products.
According to Vice Chairman of the district People’s Committee Bui Hoai Nhi, along with improving the fruit’s quality, the district has paid due regard to protecting and developing its orange brand through the careful selection of seedling varieties, management over production process, and establishment of traceability system, among others.
Besides, the locality has invested in concentrated plantation infrastructure and supported local producers to obtain food safety certifications.
After more than four years of implementing a project launched by the Hoa Binh Party Committee’s Standing Board on developing agriculture and promoting product consumption linked with building new-style rural areas for the 2021-2025 period, the province’s industry and trade sector has made significant strides, greatly contributing to local socio-economic development.
Luong Son district has identified 2025 as the year for the accelerated breakthrough to successfully implement the socio-economic development plan for the 5-year period from 2021 to 2025. The district has been focusing on executing the plans and trying to achieve a GRDP growth rate of approximately 15%.
Since the beginning of this year, under the direction of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Sub-Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Product Quality Management has strengthened the integration of the professional activities to promote and guide the organizations and individuals in the production and trading of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to comply with the legal regulations regarding the use of chemicals, pesticides and veterinary medicines in crop cultivation, livestock farming and aquaculture. They also provide guidance to processing and manufacturing establishments on keeping the records to trace the product origins and using food additives from the approved list according to the regulations.
Hoa Binh province saw a significant rise in state budget revenue in the first two months of 2025, heard a meeting chaired by Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Quach Tat Liem.
Ha Thi Ha Chi, a 26-year-old graduate in law, has taken an unconventional path by returning to her hometown in Mai Chau district to establish the Tong Dau Cooperative, creating stable jobs for local women and bringing Thai ethnic brocade weaving to the global market.
As the Lunar New Year 2025 approached, pork prices surged, creating a profitable season for farmers in Tan Vinh commune, Luong Son district. Taking advantage of the rising demand, Can Minh Son, a farmer from Coi hamlet, sold over 30 pigs at 69,000 VND/kg, each weighing more than 100 kg. After deducting expenses, his family earned a profit of over 50 million VND.
