Local authorities expect nearly 9,000 hectares of rice to be planted across the region, including Ia Hiao and Phu Thien communes and Ayun Pa ward. Most of the fields benefit from stable irrigation supplied by the Ayun Ha irrigation system.
On the fields of Ia Hiao commune, farmer Ksor Vi from Mi Hoan village said his family had worked for more than a month to restore nearly three hectares of rice land after severe year-end flooding. “The water receded slowly and left heavy silt behind. Once water was released from the Ayun Ha project, we focused on ploughing and preparing the soil in time for sowing,” he said.
Mr Vi said his family continues to plant the Tam Thom rice variety, which is valued for its grain quality and stable yields under favourable weather conditions. He added that post-flood conditions require careful preparation. “After floods, the soil hardens. Cleaning the fields thoroughly, applying base fertiliser and treating diseases early help reduce risks later in the season,” he said.
Across the Ayun Ha canal system, farmers are using sunny weather to prepare land, pump water and sow seeds in line with official crop calendars. Many households are deploying both labour and machinery to complete sowing within a short period, ensuring synchronised planting to reduce the risk of pests such as brown planthoppers and potential drought.
In Phu Thien commune, farmer Siu H’Nhi said her family cultivates more than two hectares of rice and remains optimistic after a successful previous winter–spring crop. “Last season brought good yields and stable prices. This year, I’ve chosen a better variety and hope for favourable weather to ease production,” she said.
Farmers and officials say a key change this season is greater preparedness following natural disasters. After the year-end floods, local authorities coordinated with irrigation units to clear waterways, dredge silted canals and secure water supplies. Farmers are being guided to plant in concentrated batches and adhere strictly to sowing schedules to limit pest outbreaks linked to scattered planting.
Water management from the Ayun Ha irrigation project is being adjusted flexibly to ensure sufficient supply during critical stages such as land preparation, tillering and heading. Growers are also increasingly selecting rice varieties with high grain quality and strong adaptability to adverse weather.
Pest and disease control measures are being implemented from the start of the season, combining safe farming practices, organic fertilisers and plant protection chemicals used in line with technical guidelines. Authorities say the approach aims to promote healthy crop growth and reduce production risks throughout the season.