Instead of waiting and relying, the people and the government here are working together to write a sustainable poverty reduction story, where "happy crops" not only bring economic value but also sow faith and hope.
Overcoming a low starting point
To understand the magnitude of the change, it is necessary to look back at the inherent challenges of Tram Tau. The district has a strongly fragmented terrain, a low socio-economic starting point, and a poverty rate of up to 49.42% according to the new criteria. In addition, the district's report also frankly pointed out that a part of the population still has a mentality of waiting and relying on state policies, creating a major barrier to development. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and harsh weather have made the economic problem even more difficult.
In that context, a turning point decision was made: to restructure the agricultural sector comprehensively. Tram Tau District Party Committee has concretized the province's policy by issuing separate programs and projects, with the core goal of transforming the mindset from "agricultural production" to "agricultural economy".
Talking to us, Mr. Vu Le Chung Anh - Chairman of Tram Tau District People's Committee, shared: "We determined that, to escape poverty sustainably, we cannot rely solely on external support. The key is to change the mindset of both officials and people, arousing the will to be self-reliant and self-reliant. The report has shown that a part of the people still have the mentality of waiting and relying on others, and our task is to turn the potential and advantages of Tram Tau land into a driving force for development, so that people can get rich right in their homeland".
"Hero" of upland taro and its ripple effect
The most vivid evidence of this revolution is the story of the upland taro plant. From a familiar food crop, upland taro has become a "main crop", a "hero" in the fight against hunger and poverty. The district has planned and developed concentrated growing areas in the communes of Ban Cong, Ban Mu, Xa Ho, Tram Tau, Pa Hu, Pa Lau, Tuc Dan, Phinh Ho, Lang Nhi and Ta Xi Lang.
The numbers speak for themselves. The area of upland taro cultivation has skyrocketed to over 800 hectares, an increase of 720 hectares compared to the beginning of the term. The yield has reached over 10,000 tons, and most importantly, it has helped people earn 4 to 5 times more than growing other crops.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Head of the District's Department of Agriculture and Environment, analyzed: "The Department has carefully studied the soil and climate conditions. Upland taro is not only suitable but also a traditional crop. The problem is how to increase its value. We have supported people in technical processes, connected with cooperatives and businesses to create a chain of links. When people saw their income increase 4-5 times compared to growing corn and rice, their confidence was strengthened and the movement spread very quickly."
The success of upland taro has created a ripple effect, promoting the formation of other specialty production areas. The Shan Tuyet tea area of Phinh Ho and Lang Nhi has increasingly affirmed its brand. The vegetable production area in Hat Luu commune has also been formed. The communes of Ban Mu, Ban Cong and Xa Ho are famous for their typical chili bamboo shoots.
Enhance value with OCOP brand
Tram Tau understands that good production is not enough, but must bring agricultural products to the market with a recognized brand. The "One Commune One Product" (OCOP) program has become an effective lever. In the period of 2021-2025, the district has had more than 10 products recognized as 3-star OCOP products, far exceeding the target of 8 products set forth in the Resolution. Names such as "Tram Tau Taro", "Phinh Ho Snow Shan Tea", "Tram Tau Chili Bamboo Shoots", "Tram Tau Sticky Rice Hotpot" have gradually become familiar.
At the same time, intellectual property protection is also given special attention. Seven products have been granted rights by the Intellectual Property Office, including three certified trademarks and one geographical indication (Shan Phinh Ho Tea).
According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, producing good products is only the first step. To sell at high and stable prices, the product must have a story and a brand. That is why we put all our efforts into the OCOP program. Each recognized OCOP product is not only a source of pride but also a 'passport' for Tram Tau agricultural products to enter larger markets, thereby increasing added value and income for farmers.
Sweet fruits of revolution
In addition to farming, livestock farming is also an important pillar in the restructuring process. The district has focused on mobilizing people to develop livestock in the direction of semi-grazing and household farms. As a result, the main livestock herd has developed steadily, increasing by an average of 15% per year and by 2025 is estimated to reach 63,830 heads, exceeding the Resolution's target by 103%. Notably, over 94% of livestock households have solid barns, demonstrating a change in livestock farming practices. The output of fresh meat for sale in 2025 is estimated at 765 tons, an increase of 442 tons compared to 2020, completing 100.7% of the target.
The tireless efforts have brought "sweet fruits". The total value of agricultural, forestry and fishery production in the district is estimated at 436 billion VND, equal to 115% of the Resolution. More importantly, the agricultural revolution has had a direct and strong impact on the poverty reduction target. The average poverty reduction rate in the 2021-2025 period reached 6.83%/year, exceeding the plan of 6.5%/year. The labor structure has also shifted positively, with 1,871 workers shifting from agriculture to non-agriculture, reaching 106.9% of the Resolution.
The story of Tram Tau is a testament to the fact that with the right policy, the decisive participation of the entire political system and the consensus and change in thinking of the people, a poor district can completely rise from its own internal potential. The "happy crops" in Tram Tau land not only fill up meals, but are also cultivating a prosperous and sustainable future, gradually helping the district realize its great aspirations.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/cuoc-cach-mang-nong-nghiep-o-tram-tau-post403535.html
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