Developing high-quality agriculture associated with eco-tourism

Tourists experience rowing at Uy Phong Bay on Son La hydroelectric reservoir.

Muong Gion has a large area of Son La hydroelectric reservoir, which is favorable for fishing, aquaculture and ecotourism development. This place also converges the culture of the Thai ethnic group, with potential for developing cultural tourism, traditional festivals, and handicrafts. In addition, the commune has National Highway 279 passing through, creating trade connections with Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces... Ms. Luong Thi Duyen, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, informed: To implement the breakthrough, the Commune People's Committee has proposed solutions to develop high-quality agriculture associated with ecotourism. In particular, mobilizing resources, prioritizing support for preserving and processing agricultural products; reorganizing production according to the value chain, forming cooperatives and smart agricultural cooperatives; building agricultural product brands associated with geographical indications and VietGAP safety standards. Planning to develop concentrated high-quality fruit growing areas.

To build a sustainable agricultural development, Muong Gion commune focuses on promoting propaganda and guiding farmers to apply science and technology in cultivation and livestock breeding, especially fruit trees and specialty livestock suitable to the local climate and soil. Encourage organic agricultural models, value chain production and ecological environment protection. Maintain and increase forest cover, develop production forests combined with eco-tourism. Currently, farmers in the commune are focusing on planting and caring for 787 hectares of upland crops; 528 hectares of fruit trees of all kinds; nearly 400 hectares of cinnamon and macadamia; maintaining 200 fish cages; raising 79,600 cattle and poultry.

After the merger, thanks to its natural conditions and rich cultural identity, Muong Gion has the potential to become one of the key tourism development centers of Son La hydroelectric reservoir. Exploiting the potential, the commune invites tourism enterprises and cooperatives to build tours and experiential eco-tourism products, such as: A day as a farmer; experience picking fruit in the garden; local cuisine... Promote communication on digital platforms, promote the agricultural model combined with tourism, attract domestic and foreign visitors.

Ancient black canarium trees in Phieng Mut 1 village.

Creating a change in implementing the breakthrough, the commune focuses on mobilizing investment resources to upgrade infrastructure of tourist spots associated with the new rural construction program, the program of each commune has a typical product. Based on the review, the commune currently has a number of potential agricultural products, such as: Canarium, sticky rice, honey, Da river fish, green-necked duck, products extracted from cinnamon..., in which, the orientation is to build Canarium, sticky rice, honey products to become 3-star OCOP products by 2026. At the same time, linking to build experiential tours, enjoying cuisine processed from typical products to impress tourists.

In Muong Gion, there are many villages growing canarium trees, but only Phieng Mut 1 village has canarium trees that are up to 100 years old. The black canarium here has large, round fruits, very thin and soft skin, and a rich, fatty flavor. This is an indispensable fruit in the Tet tray of the Thai ethnic group. Mr. Lo Van Khich, Party Cell Secretary and Head of Phieng Mut 1 village, shared: To preserve and promote the value of the black canarium tree in the culinary culture of the Thai people, every year, Muong Gion commune organizes a canarium picking contest. From the canarium fruits that have just been harvested, Thai boys and girls show their ingenuity through the canarium stewing contest, presenting the tray of food and introducing the meaning of traditional ethnic dishes. The canarium tree is not only a tree that provides a stable income but also a typical product to introduce and promote to tourists from near and far. In the coming time, people really hope that superiors will pay attention to supporting the village to develop black canarium fruit as an OCOP product, thereby increasing the value of the product.

Tourists take photos at Da Giang Island.

Not only that, currently, the commune has 2 eco-tourism spots including: Uy Phong Bay and Da Giang Island, exploited by Quynh Nhai Travel Joint Stock Company. The company has invested in 3 2-storey tourist boats, ensuring to pick up and drop off from 40 to 120 guests/boat. In addition, the Company coordinates with a number of cooperatives and associated enterprises to build sightseeing and experience tours on Son La hydroelectric reservoir, such as: Rowing, team building activities on Da Giang Island; Da River cuisine; foot massage fish; fishing; underwater volleyball. On average, the Company welcomes about 20,000 tourists each year, with a revenue of about 2.5 billion VND/year.

Mr. La Van Phong, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of the Company, said: We create video clips recording the experiences of tourists at the sites and post them on social networking sites, attracting millions of viewers, increasing the interaction and interest of friends and tourists from near and far. In the coming time, the Company will continue to coordinate with households and cooperatives in the commune to supply typical agricultural products to serve the needs of cuisine, shopping as well as experiencing the indigenous culture.

Developing high-quality agriculture associated with ecotourism is a suitable direction to restructure the agricultural sector towards sustainability, efficiency and adaptation to climate change. We believe that the harmonious combination of agricultural production and exploitation of landscape and cultural values will create sustainable livelihoods for farmers in Muong Gion.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/kinh-te/phat-trien-nong-nghiep-chat-luong-cao-gan-voi-du-lich-sinh-thai-euooVweNR.html