Lam Thao: A model for suburban commodity agriculture

In recent years, Lam Thao district has solidified its position as a leading suburban agricultural production area, transitioning towards modernity and sustainability. Through comprehensive planning, the application of science and technology, value chain development, and infrastructure investment, numerous high-efficiency production models have emerged, enhancing the value of agricultural products and improving local livelihoods.

As a key agricultural hub located within the development triangle of Viet Tri City, Lam Thao, and Phu Ninh, Lam Thao district cultivates approximately 7,000 hectares of land annually, with over 5,500 hectares dedicated to agriculture. Recognizing this potential, the district has established specialized production zones and built strong brands for key products such as high-quality rice, safe vegetables, and bananas. The district has also developed nine agricultural product consumption chains, with production value per hectare reaching 171 million VND.

Over the past four years, Lam Thao has seen the establishment of 11 new cooperatives, six enterprises, and 11 cooperative groups operating in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the district has directed and facilitated three joint projects focused on the production and consumption of agricultural goods.

A standout example is the concentrated vegetable, root, and fruit production zone in Tu Xa commune, which generates an impressive 550 million VND per hectare per year. Similarly, the vegetable seed production area in Lam Thao town yields 600 million VND per hectare annually, while the Ha Den grape cultivation model in Phung Nguyen commune exceeds 2 billion VND per hectare per year. These results not only underscore the success of the commodity-based agricultural model but also set the stage for expanding key products to broader markets.

Ha Den grapes, in particular, have gained a strong foothold due to their exceptional quality and adherence to safe production processes. Nguyen Van Ha, Director of Lam Thao Agricultural Cooperative, noted, “To boost the economy, our cooperative has established an online sales network through platforms like Zalo and Facebook. We also organize tourism experiences to promote our products, proactively secure distribution contracts with traders and companies, and integrate our goods into supermarket chains. With these targeted efforts, I believe Ha Den grapes will become a flagship product, increasing local incomes and advancing Lam Thao’s agricultural economy.”

Beyond grape-based products, which were recognized as 3-star OCOP items in 2024, the district aims to certify an additional 31 OCOP products (3-star or higher) between 2020 and 2025. To support sustainable urban agriculture, Lam Thao has prioritized planning and organizing production in concentrated zones, aligning with the district’s broader land-use strategy for 2021-2030.

The communes of Ban Nguyen, Cao Xa, Tu Xa, Son Vi, and Vinh Lai have expanded their safe vegetable production areas to 85 hectares, ensuring 100% adherence to VietGAP and food safety standards. As a result, the district now boasts 50 registered agricultural production zones covering nearly 630 hectares.

In addition to staple crops, Lam Thao has diversified its agricultural landscape with fruit tree plantations, including bananas, Taiwanese guavas, black summer grapes, and macadamia nuts, on a scale of 1-3 hectares per model. Specialized aquaculture zones now span nearly 480 hectares, with integrated rice-fish farming covering over 450 hectares, delivering significant economic returns.

The district has embraced scientific advancements to modernize its agricultural sector. Currently, over 80% of cultivated land is dedicated to high-quality rice varieties, more than 75% of rice fields apply the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and 100% implement integrated pest management (IPM), with nearly 15% utilizing full IPM techniques.

Innovative farming techniques such as water-saving irrigation, plastic dome coverage, and net house cultivation have been widely adopted. Mechanization has also significantly improved efficiency, with land preparation and transportation fully automated, harvesting reaching 96% mechanization, and drone-based pest control covering 25% of agricultural areas.

To attract further investment in agriculture, Lam Thao has prioritized rural infrastructure development. Since 2021, the district has invested approximately 1.88 trillion VND in upgrading transportation, irrigation, and flood prevention systems, facilitating agricultural production and distribution.

Duong Hoang Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Lam Thao District People’s Committee, emphasized, “Based on the district’s Plan No. 182/KH-UBND issued on October 5, 2022, we will implement targeted initiatives to attract businesses and individuals to the agricultural sector. Moving forward, we will expand specialized production zones, promote crop and livestock restructuring, enhance technology adoption, and strengthen market connections through the OCOP program. Additionally, we will continue investing in rural infrastructure to support long-term agricultural development.”

With these achievements, Lam Thao is steadily establishing itself as a model suburban commodity agricultural production area. By fostering sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening value chains, and improving infrastructure, the district is not only enhancing the rural economy but also elevating the quality of life for its residents. As a result, Lam Thao is emerging as a bright spot in Phu Tho province’s modern agricultural landscape.

Bao Thoa