Spreading the model of grass cultivation and livestock development in border areas.

Efforts to develop commercial livestock farming.

The family of Già Sông Thái, like many other Hmong households in Đọoc Mạy commune (Kỳ Sơn district), was once impoverished. Life became even more difficult after she got married and had children. Già Sông Thái spent sleepless nights pondering and asking herself, "How can I ensure my family has enough to eat and my children can receive a proper education?"

In 2002, when the Party and State implemented a policy of allocating forest land to individual households for management and protection in livestock farming and production, Mr. Song Thai, then a commune accountant, discussed with his family and requested to manage 8 hectares of forest land in Huoi Ngoat stream, Huoi Vieng village. Approximately 2 hectares of this land were gently sloping hills suitable for rice paddies and short-term crop cultivation. The remaining area, mostly sloping land with streams, was fenced off by his family for livestock farming, short-term crop cultivation, and fodder crops. Overcoming initial difficulties and harsh weather conditions, Mr. Song Thai's family simultaneously reclaimed rice paddies and raised livestock, improving their livelihood and gradually developing a stable income.

In 2017, the People's Committee of Ky Son District and the Department of Agriculture issued Decision No. 747/QD-UBND dated February 11, 2017, approving the budget and model for local cattle farming, providing the family with one calf and 11 rolls of B40 mesh. Mr. Song Thai boldly built a comprehensive farm model, focusing on raising livestock and poultry commercially. He researched, purchased seeds, and planted 3 hectares of elephant grass to ensure feed for his livestock, especially during the dry season and periods of severe cold. Thanks to the hard work of him and his wife, Mr. Song Thai's family's life improved day by day.

Currently, Gia Song Thai's farm has 44 buffaloes and cows, selling 10 to 15 of them annually. In addition, he raises black chickens, grows wild pepper, and cultivates short-term crops such as ginger, sticky corn, and cucumbers on his 3-hectare plot of land. His farm generates an average annual income of approximately 160 to 180 million VND. Now, Gia Song Thai's family has built a spacious house, purchased modern amenities, and his children receive a good education. Inspired by Gia Song Thai's success, the Party Committee, government, and various organizations in Dooc May commune have actively encouraged villagers to develop commercial buffalo and cattle farming, gradually helping them achieve sustainable poverty reduction.

Spreading the determination to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty.

In implementing the "Effective Mass Mobilization" model in economic development, the Party Committee, government, and mass organizations in Dooc May commune always take the example of Elder Song Thai to "speak to the people, speak to the people and gain their trust." Elder Song Thai himself actively visits families determined to develop livestock farming to share his experience, helping many households master techniques and achieve higher livestock farming efficiency. "To truly become an exemplary and reputable official who can speak in a way that the people listen to and trust, in addition to fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a commune official, my family strives to develop the economy and rise to legitimate wealth to set an example," Elder Song Thai confided.

The family of Mr. Gia Giong Chua, in Huoi Vieng village (Dooc May commune), received support from Mr. Song Thai, who provided them with a pair of breeding cows without interest and guided them on breeding techniques and elephant grass cultivation. To date, Mr. Chua's family has expanded their herd to six cows, and their income has improved significantly. "If it weren't for Mr. Thai's guidance on good breeding practices, I would have been lost in the forest. Now, I know the techniques for raising and cultivating livestock, making the cows and buffaloes healthier, and the vegetables and grass more abundant, helping my family escape hunger and poverty," Mr. Gia Giong Chua happily shared.

As a commune official, Comrade Gia Song Thai has always strived to excellently fulfill all assigned tasks. Before 2008, Comrade Gia Song Thai worked as an accountant in Dooc May commune. In 2008, he was elected to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Commune Party Committee. From 2010 to the present, he has been elected to the position of Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee. In this capacity, Comrade Gia Song Thai has actively visited villages, mobilizing people to develop production and livestock farming, contributing to helping many households escape poverty. "As an official, I must always strive to fulfill my responsibilities well, set an example for the people, and encourage them to develop production and livestock farming so that the lives of the people become more prosperous," shared Mr. Gia Song Thai.

When evaluating the exemplary conduct of Mr. Song Thai, Comrade Vi Van Khuon – Secretary of the Party Committee of the commune – said: "Mr. Song Thai is a highly respected commune official, highly regarded by the people. He always performs his professional duties well and is a model individual in local economic development. He always grasps the economic development policies of all levels to disseminate, guide, and share experiences with the people in the village and commune. The success of Mr. Song Thai's family economic model has become a driving force for many 'effective people mobilization' models in the economic field in the commune. Currently, the people in the commune are actively transforming the structure of crops and livestock, innovating production methods, and increasing household economic income..."

"Over the years, on average, Dooc May commune (Ky Son district) has reduced the number of poor households by 5% annually. However, the number of poor households in the commune remains high, at 64.3%. This is a major concern for me personally and for the Party committee, government, and mass organizations in the commune. I believe that more and more ethnic minority households in Dooc May will overcome poverty and rise to legitimate wealth," shared Comrade Gia Song Thai.