Integrated Plant Health Management (IPHM) is emerging as a key strategy for transforming agriculture into a more sustainable and environmentally friendly sector. Designed to enhance crop resilience, improve production efficiency, and promote ecological and biodiversity protection, IPHM is increasingly being adopted across localities.
IPHM is a comprehensive crop management system that considers critical environmental factors such as soil health, water quality, pest and disease pressures, beneficial organisms, and climatic conditions. The approach aims to optimise internal plant mechanisms while mitigating external threats. By doing so, it not only reduces the occurrence of pest outbreaks and environmental degradation but also supports human health and biodiversity preservation.
One successful example of IPHM in action is a melon cultivation model developed in Bo Hamlet, Son La Province. Covering 300 square metres and involving local farming households, the initiative introduced farmers to core IPHM practices. These included regular monitoring of crops, early detection of plant diseases, and analysis of environmental conditions that influence plant health.
Farmers learned to diagnose pest and disease problems based on root causes and implement appropriate control strategies. Priority was given to non-chemical methods such as biological control, manual interventions, and the use of natural pesticides. Chemical inputs were only used when necessary and in line with safety standards, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Emphasis was also placed on soil health management, balanced fertiliser use, and observing pre-harvest safety periods.
Initial outcomes from the model showed a 5–6 reduction in pesticide sprayings per crop, a 20–30% decrease in chemical fertiliser usage, and significantly lower chemical residues on harvested produce. These results translated into healthier crops, better-quality products, and reduced production costs.
Recognising the success of IPHM, efforts have been made to scale up its adoption. Since 2022, hundreds of trainers have been equipped with knowledge in IPHM, Integrated Crop Management (ICM), biological pest control, and ecological farming. By 2030, the goal is to have over 90% of key crops such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and medicinal herbs grown under IPHM principles. Targets also include a 30% reduction in chemical inputs and a 15–20% increase in economic returns.
To support this, the Ministry has outlined a roadmap to expand the trainer base, introduce IPHM into agricultural education, and establish a strong network of core farmers capable of guiding their communities. Grassroots-level replication of successful IPHM models, policy support, and farmer-to-farmer training will further accelerate the transition to green agriculture. Through these combined efforts, IPHM is poised to play a central role in building a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
