According to the plan, in spring 2026, the province will plant more than 13,100 hectares of rice. Based on local climate conditions, soil characteristics and farming practices, the agricultural sector has issued detailed guidance on seed structure and planting schedules for each production zone. In warmer areas with secure irrigation conditions such as Phu Yen, Yen Chau, Quynh Nhai and Song Ma, farmers are encouraged to plant early, with planting expected to be completed before March 1, 2026.

In higher mountainous areas including Sop Cop, Bac Yen and Van Ho, planting will start later, focusing on late-season spring rice and finishing before March 31, 2026. Experts recommend the use of short-duration, cold-tolerant varieties suited to harsher weather conditions. Technical measures such as covering seedlings with plastic to prevent cold damage, careful soil preparation and maintaining appropriate water levels are also emphasised to protect newly transplanted rice. The overall orientation is to expand the area under high-yield, high-quality, pest-resistant rice varieties appropriate to different ecological sub-regions, with priority given to medium-term and short-term growth varieties.

Alongside proper timing and seed planning, preparation of agricultural inputs is considered a key solution to ensure the spring crop progresses on schedule. Businesses and agricultural supply distributors across the province have developed production and reserve plans, ensuring adequate supply of seeds, fertilisers and plant protection products with guaranteed quality and diverse product options to meet farmers’ demand.

Currently, the province has more than 600 agricultural supply shops and distributors covering almost all communes and wards. Many distributors have signed direct contracts with producers, helping stabilise supply and limit shortages and price hikes during peak farming periods. Nguyen Nhu Hung, Chairman of Song Lam Tay Bac Fertiliser Joint Stock Company, said the firm plans to supply around 15,000 tonnes of organic and inorganic fertilisers to the market this spring. To ensure timely delivery at competitive prices, the company has signed contracts with 11 distributors across the province, guaranteeing traceable, correctly priced products and contributing to a stable agricultural materials market.

In addition, ensuring irrigation water is identified as a decisive factor for spring production. The province currently has 111 reservoirs, 132 weirs and more than 2,400 irrigation works. The Son La Irrigation Works Management Company, which is responsible for managing these facilities, is coordinating with relevant agencies and local authorities to implement reservoir and dam safety plans.

The company’s Deputy Director An Duc Hau said the company has proactively inspected and assessed the condition of irrigation facilities, developed appropriate water-supply plans for each region, and strengthened measures to prevent encroachment and violations in protected irrigation corridors. Its branches have been instructed to clear and dredge canals, repair degraded structures and regulate water efficiently. In 2025, the company has invested in the construction and repair of 67 irrigation projects with a total investment of over 37.5 billion VND (1.4 million USD), which are expected to be completed within the year.

At the same time, the agricultural sector is strengthening extension services, technical guidance and coordination with local authorities to support farmers during production. Tran Dung Tien, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, said relevant units have been directed to guide suitable seed structures and planting schedules for each micro-climate and production condition. Communication and training activities are being intensified to help farmers apply proper cultivation techniques, protect seedlings and monitor pest and disease developments for timely prevention.

With the concerted efforts of the sector, local authorities, supply enterprises, irrigation management units and proactive farmers, the province expects a smooth and successful spring crop in 2026, thus creating an important foundation for food security, agricultural stability and improved farmer livelihoods.