Models for 'reviving' barren land in Anh Son

(Baonghean.vn) - Implementing the policy of restructuring crop and livestock production by introducing new high-yield and high-quality plant and animal varieties, in recent years, people in Anh Son have transformed barren lands into farms and family farms that generate hundreds of millions of dong in income each year.

The integrated farm economic model of Ms. Tran Thi Truc's family in Hamlet 5, Long Son Commune, is considered a model for economic development in Anh Son District..In 2003, recognizing the potential and advantages of the barren lands in her hometown, and with the help of the local government, Ms. Truc decided to borrow money from the bank to buy 30 hectares to build a farm. Initially, she invested 70 million VND to build roads and bring electricity to develop the hill and forest economy, raise pigs and cattle, and dig ponds for fish farming.

Ms. Tran Thi Truc's integrated farm in Hamlet 5, Long Son Commune (Anh Son District) generates an income of 200-300 million VND per year.

After years of hard work, a comprehensive farm was established amidst the desolate mountains, with 30 hectares of acacia trees yielding 150 million VND annually; 40 cows, 40 wild boars; a flock of 100-150 poultry; and a 1-hectare fish pond. Each year, Ms. Truc's farm generates a total income of 200-300 million VND, providing employment for 5-10 seasonal workers at a daily wage of 200,000 VND.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Dung in Hamlet 1/5, Cam Son Commune, invested in pig farming on a scale of 40 sows and 200-250 fattening pigs. In 2015, the total output reached 50-60 tons of live pigs, bringing in 1.2 billion VND. After deducting expenses, he earned a profit of approximately 400 million VND. In addition, Mr. Dung also utilized the available land to dig ponds for fish farming, develop hill and forest economy, and grow industrial tea to increase his income.

Mr. Nguyen Tuan Dung's farm in Hamlet 1/5, Cam Son Commune, has a scale of 40 breeding sows and 200-250 fattening pigs. In 2015, the total output of live pigs for slaughter reached 50-60 tons.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bui Thi Mai Hoa in Tra Lan village, Phuc Son commune, with her mushroom farming model, is harvesting 7-8 kg of mushrooms daily. Selling them at 35,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, she earns 200,000 VND per day. Seeing the effectiveness of her mushroom farming model, in 2015 Ms. Hoa decided to invest 50 million VND to build a sterilization oven and a mushroom hanging house. Thanks to this, her mushroom products meet food safety and hygiene standards and are favored by consumers. On average, she earns about 50-60 million VND per year, with all her family's mushrooms selling out as soon as they are produced. She supplies not only the Anh Son district market but also the markets in Vinh City and Hanoi.

The model of clean mushroom production by Ms. Bui Thi Mai Hoa in Tra Lan village, Phuc Son commune.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dang, Head of the Agriculture Department of Anh Son district, said: "In order to encourage people and localities to continue replicating effective economic models, in 2016 the district implemented many mechanisms and policies; providing support of 20 million VND for newly built farms; 30 million VND for concentrated livestock farming areas; and support of 5 million VND/hectare for planting new industrial tea plantations..."

The effectiveness of farm and household-based economic development models in Anh Son district has transformed the lives of its people. The poverty rate in the entire district has decreased from 21.51% in 2011 to only 15.3%. Farmers in Anh Son, who were previously only accustomed to traditional farming and livestock raising methods, can now manage large-scale, efficient farms.

Thai Hien

Anh Son Radio