Following state investment in irrigation projects, including the Ia Lâu and Ia Lốp weirs and the Plei Pai reservoir, local farmers have expanded production and fully mechanized farming processes from land preparation to harvesting.
The changes have boosted yields to an average of 7-7.5 tons per hectare across the commune’s 1,429 hectares of two-season wet rice.
Farmers now cultivate varieties such as HT1, OM4900, DV108, Đài Thơm 8, TBR39, and ST25, which suit the region’s climate and soil. With mechanization reducing labor costs and risks from droughts and pests, wet rice farming has become a reliable source of income.
Stable incomes from modern farming
Châu Văn Chí Tâm, a resident of Tu village, said his five hectares now generate an average of 7 tons per hectare.
With an investment cost of nearly 20 million VND (about USD 790) per hectare, his family earns around 20 million VND (USD 790) profit per hectare after expenses.
Similarly, farmer Vũ Thị Mát from Me village cultivates eight hectares across two annual crops, focusing on Đài Thơm 8 and DV108.
Her family harvests about 40 tons in the Summer-Autumn crop and 60-70 tons in the Winter-Spring crop.
She said each hectare costs about 18 million VND (USD 710) to cultivate, generating profits of nearly 20 million VND (USD 790) if rice prices stay above 7,000 VND (USD 0.28) per kilogram.
Building the “Ia Lâu rice” brand
In 2021, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam granted trademark certification for “Gạo Ia Lâu” (Ia Lâu rice), recognizing its superior aroma and taste. This has allowed the commune to develop specialized cultivation zones and pursue wider markets.
Farmers have shifted from fragmented, small-scale farming to market-oriented production, forming partnerships with cooperatives and businesses within and outside the province.
Local authorities are encouraging adoption of new varieties and linking producers with enterprises to enhance economic value.
Commitment to sustainable development
Bùi Văn Tiến, Vice Chairman of Ia Lâu Commune People’s Committee, said irrigation projects and technical training have significantly improved living standards.
He noted that the commune plans to expand demonstration models of high-yield varieties, strengthen cooperative linkages, and further develop the “Gạo Ia Lâu” brand to deliver quality products to both local and national consumers.