Party branch secretary uncovers 'green gold mine' in the mountains.

(Baonghean.vn) - Through hard work and dedication over more than 10 years, Mr. Tran Van Le - Secretary of the Party Branch of Hamlet 5, Long Son Commune (Anh Son District) - has transformed dozens of hectares of barren, rocky hillside land into a comprehensive VACR (Vegetable, Animal, Fish, and Crop) economic model, generating billions of dong in income and opening up opportunities for local people to get rich.

More than 10 years ago, recognizing the favorable market demand for raw timber, while many hills and mountains were being left fallow and wasted, Mr. Tran Van Le decided that he needed to choose forestry as a way to get rich. At that time, the local government had a policy of developing reforestation and greening barren land and hills, so Mr. Le boldly borrowed money to buy 30 hectares of forest in the hilly area of ​​Long Son commune.

Currently, on his 30 hectares of hilly forest land, Mr. Tran Van Le has invested in planting 28 hectares of acacia trees, 1 hectare of orange trees, and digging a 1-hectare pond for fish farming. (In the photo: Mr. Le's 4-year-old melaleuca forest is about to be harvested)

To successfully build his forest-based economic model, Mr. Le actively sought out many places and experienced individuals to learn effective methods of planting economic forests. He also participated in training courses on the transfer of advanced forest planting techniques... with the determination to change his own life and find a legitimate way to get rich in this challenging land, which gave him the motivation and confidence to overcome all challenges.

The land rewarded their hard work, and gradually the first patches of acacia forest grew lush and green. Calculating the economic benefits of the acacia forest, Mr. Le confidently asserted that each hectare of acacia yields a profit of 50-60 million VND after 5 years of planting and care. He calculated that with 28 hectares of acacia, his family earns an average annual income of over 300 million VND.

To take advantage of the natural conditions, he also raised a large number of cattle, over 40 of them.

Not stopping there, he also borrowed money from the bank to invest in a cattle breeding farm right in the melaleuca forest. The cattle are raised right on the farm, taking advantage of the grass when the melaleuca trees haven't yet closed their canopy, so there's an abundant food source. With a sufficient natural food supply, the cattle thrive and reproduce regularly, bringing him a considerable income. Currently, his herd has grown to 40 cows. To keep the barren land profitable, Mr. Le also invested in digging a 1-hectare pond for fish farming, raising over 30 wild boars, and planting an additional 1-hectare of orange trees. Currently, the total annual income from the VACR model, after deducting expenses, brings him a profit of over 500 million VND.

Not only is Mr. Tran Van Le a successful businessman, but he is also an exemplary and enthusiastic Party member in all village activities. Since being elected as the Party branch secretary by the Party members in Village 5, he and the branch members have consistently encouraged residents to develop the local potential and advantages, such as reforestation, farm animal husbandry, and converting many areas of low-yield rice and corn fields to cultivate high-value vegetables and crops.

Raising wild boars also provides Mr. Le with a significant source of income.

Mr. Tran Van Quang from Hamlet 5, Long Son Commune, said: “Previously, my family was among the poorest in the hamlet. We owned a hillside but didn't know what crops to plant or what livestock to raise effectively. Thanks to Mr. Le's dedicated encouragement and guidance on planting and caring techniques, the 6 hectares of barren land belonging to my family are now covered in a lush green acacia and eucalyptus trees. In addition, I also raise 20 goats and hundreds of chickens. The income from forestry and livestock farming is over 100 million VND per year, and my family's life is much better than before.”

The VRAC integrated economic model for Mr. Tran Van Le's family, after deducting expenses, also generates an income of over 500 million VND.

Following the example of Party Secretary Le, many households in Hamlet 5 have invested in developing their household economies. Out of 78 households in the hamlet, 20 have an income of 100 million VND or more, bringing the per capita income to over 25 million VND per year. With a more comfortable life, the people have actively participated in the new rural development program. In 2015, the entire hamlet donated 1,500 square meters of land and raised nearly 300 million VND to build 1.5 kilometers of concrete road.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Long Son Commune People's Committee, said: "Party Secretary Tran Van Le has always been exemplary and at the forefront of all movements, serving as a role model for many to follow. By following his example, the villagers have successfully developed economic models, thereby helping the locality to effectively implement the new rural development movement."

Huyen Trang

Anh Son Radio and Television Station