A successful trial of growing Atlantic potatoes has brought about a significant shift in agricultural thinking for farmers in Quang Duc, a highland commune in Quang Ninh Province. Previously, fragmented winter crops yielded low efficiency and were plagued by unstable prices. After just one season on 12 hectares, the 17 participating households saw profits soar to an estimated 50-100 million VND per hectare—far exceeding returns from traditional crops like maize or vegetables. This success is attributed to a new model where the local government connected farmers with a processing company, providing 100% support for seeds and fertilizer, alongside a guaranteed purchase contract signed before planting. Farmers like Tang Quy Tuan from the Dao Thanh Y ethnic group reported yields of over 12 tons per hectare, replacing their previous worry of a “good harvest, low price” with excitement and stable income.
Beyond the immediate financial gains, the initiative is catalyzing a fundamental change from small-scale, spontaneous production to structured, value-chain-linked agriculture. For a commune with scattered populations and heavy reliance on traders, securing an output contract has encouraged farmers to shift their mindset from growing what they have to growing what the market demands. Local authorities and experts from the Vietnam National University of Agriculture believe that with Quang Duc’s favorable climate and fertile post-rice fields, the Atlantic potato has strong potential for sustainable, long-term development. While one crop cannot completely transform the local economy, this pilot project has successfully introduced the concept of linked production chains, marking a crucial first step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for this highland community.
