Mường Khương's farming boom lifts incomes and cuts poverty in Lào Cai

A rural Vietnamese commune rewrites its future with record harvests and smarter farming. See how leadership and crops like tea are changing lives.

, and Administrator

2026 March 4 . 4:02 PM

1 min read

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Mường Khương's farming boom lifts incomes and cuts poverty in Lào Cai

Mường Khương Commune in Lào Cai Province has maintained steady socio-economic progress in recent years. Local authorities have focused on strong leadership to push forward key tasks, with notable success in agriculture and poverty reduction.

Last year, the commune achieved a poverty reduction rate of 7.85 per cent, fully meeting its annual target. Agricultural output also thrived, with total grain production reaching 9,976 tonnes—exactly as planned.

Fruit and tea farming proved particularly profitable. Bananas grown on over 1,000 hectares yielded more than 22,700 tonnes, worth VNĐ142 billion ($5.5 million). Mandarins from 822 hectares produced 8,900 tonnes, valued at VNĐ178 billion ($6.8 million). Tea cultivation on 1,800 hectares brought in 12,000 tonnes, generating VNĐ76 billion ($2.9 million).

The shift toward large-scale farming of key crops has steadily increased incomes for local farmers. Alongside economic growth, education on State policies has encouraged ethnic groups to move away from outdated customs, changing behaviours and mindsets.

The commune's economy remains stable, with agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture all progressing as planned. Strong local leadership and focused production models have supported both income growth and social development in the area.