Dare to think, dare to act.

(Baonghean) - Armed with a degree in Accounting from Nha Trang University, Kha Van Huong, a young man from the Thai ethnic group, hoped that the doors of government agencies, offices, or businesses would open wide for him. However, after struggling to find work for some time, he realized that finding a career directly related to his field of study was not easy. Therefore, he decided to change direction and develop a comprehensive livestock farm in his hometown.

Introduced by Luong Van Tin, Secretary of the Youth Union of Tam Thai commune (Tuong Duong district), we visited the farm model of Mr. Kha Van Huong in Lung village. Mr. Tin said that most young people in Tam Thai commune are involved in logging or working far away from home. Creating jobs for young people here is very difficult due to a lack of capital, technical knowledge, and product outlets… But with his dynamism and willingness to think outside the box, Mr. Huong has opened up a new business opportunity for local youth…

This is the integrated livestock farming model of Mr. Kha Van Huong in Lung village, Tam Thai commune (Tuong Duong district).

Previously, Mr. Huong's family life was mainly tied to farming on hillsides and forests. The large land area and mild, cool climate were very suitable for livestock raising. Therefore, after graduating from university but failing to find a job, he boldly borrowed capital to invest in developing a farm. Due to the ingrained practice of small-scale livestock farming, he encountered many difficulties when implementing his idea of ​​commercial livestock farming. To supplement his knowledge and techniques, he independently registered for local livestock training courses and researched methods of preventing and treating livestock diseases through books, newspapers, and the internet. With family support, he boldly borrowed nearly 100 million VND from the bank to invest in building barns and enclosures.

In 2011, he piloted raising 30 pigs and 150 chickens and ducks. However, the price of pork was volatile, and by the time of sale, the price had dropped, causing him a loss of nearly tens of millions of dong; avian influenza outbreak forced him to cull his flock of over 100 chickens, resulting in significant losses. But difficulties and failures did not discourage him. He diligently sought out successful livestock farming models from young people in other localities to share production experiences. He said: “The demand for piglets to raise and medium-sized pigs for slaughter to serve during holidays in the commune is quite large, so I reduced the number of pigs to raise more sows and sell breeding stock. As for poultry breeding stock, I chose the 'chicken' breed, which is resistant to diseases and suitable for the mountainous climate.”

Thanks to applying his experience in preventing and treating diseases in livestock and poultry, and utilizing readily available feed sources in his garden such as cassava pulp and wild banana trees, he started making a profit in his second year of raising livestock. Currently, with a total herd of over 30 pigs, he sells 4-5 batches of piglets annually; along with over 300 chickens and ducks, bringing his family an income of over 50 million VND per year. Mr. Huong also runs a rice milling and pork slaughtering business; and cultivates an additional 0.5 hectares of acacia trees.

With a daring spirit and a willingness to take action, Mr. Huong has created a stable job for himself, earning 5-6 million VND per month. After three years of developing his livestock business, he has now established a stable foundation and opened up a long-term path, creating the main source of income for his family. The story of Kha Van Huong's self-made entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take action is a valuable model and lesson for young people in highland villages today…

Dinh Nguyet