Driving forces for rural development

Aiming to develop a green, modern, and sustainable agriculture, Thai Nguyen province has identified the development of small-scale handicraft industries as a crucial direction for diversifying rural livelihoods. Alongside this, the province focuses on promoting the application of science and technology in production, improving product quality and value, and fostering an efficient economic restructuring linked to ecotourism and agricultural experiences, contributing to the formation of sustainable value chains.

Leaders of Phuc Thuan ward visit a tea processing facility in the area.

From traditional crafts to sustainable value chains

Thai Nguyen has a long tradition of many handicrafts such as incense making, blacksmithing, carpentry, weaving, and tea processing. Leveraging this existing potential, along with the attention and support of the province and the efforts of the people, hundreds of small-scale handicraft production facilities have been maintained and expanded, creating stable jobs, contributing to increased income, and promoting rural economic development.

Simultaneously, the province is focusing on accelerating the restructuring of the agricultural sector towards efficiency and sustainability; strengthening linkages and cooperation in production to form agricultural value chains; and developing high-tech agriculture, clean agriculture, and organic agriculture.

Along with improving product quality and value, Thai Nguyen also focuses on expanding consumer markets, promoting deep processing, and serving both domestic and export needs for key agricultural products.

Mr. Thach Tho Cong, Director of Cong Tam Minh Duc Tea Cooperative (Phuc Thuan Ward), said: "Since receiving capital support and participating in technical training courses, the cooperative has invested in a semi-automatic processing line. As a result, the tea products have consistent quality, attractive packaging, and are favored by consumers, thereby helping to significantly increase the income of members compared to before."

Over the past period, the province has focused on building institutions to support agricultural production linkages, from land use planning and crop selection to input supply and output product consumption. At the same time, it has strengthened and promoted the effective operation of agricultural cooperatives and cooperative groups.

Among the handicraft industries, tea cultivation has been identified as a distinctive strength of Thai Nguyen. Many communes and wards with large tea-growing areas have invested in modern processing and packaging technology, helping Thai Nguyen tea products not only maintain their domestic market but also export to many countries.

The people of Phuc Thuan ward are confident in their commitment to tea cultivation and processing.

Mr. Ta Viet Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phuc Thuan Ward, said: Developing small-scale industries contributes to diversifying occupations, increasing people's income, and reducing dependence on agricultural production. This is an important driving force for promoting sustainable rural development.

In the coming period, the ward will continue to coordinate with relevant units to effectively implement industrial promotion programs, support technological innovation, promote products, and especially create conditions for accessing preferential capital sources so that small-scale handicraft industries can increasingly assert their role in the local economy.

New vitality from small-scale industries

Besides tea cultivation, traditional craft villages in Thai Nguyen such as incense making, rattan and bamboo weaving, and fine art woodworking are also being maintained and developed steadily. According to statistics from the Department of Industry and Trade, the province currently has over 1,000 small-scale handicraft establishments, attracting tens of thousands of rural workers.

The value of industrial and handicraft production in rural areas reaches trillions of dong annually. Many distinctive local products have established a firm foothold in the market.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Tuong, owner of a fine art woodworking production facility in Phuong Do craft village (Phu Binh commune), shared: "Previously, we only produced on a small scale within our families. To preserve the craft, expand the scale, and meet market demand, households have proactively formed production groups, creating jobs locally and increasing income. Currently, our fine art woodworking facility has 48 members participating in stable production."

Production of fine art wooden furniture in Phuong Do craft village, Phu Binh commune.

In Vo Tranh commune, an area with favorable natural conditions for tea cultivation, many tea-making villages and processing facilities have been established and developed, focusing on improving quality and building brands. Cooperatives and households have invested in modern machinery and applied safe production processes, creating high-value specialty tea products.

The local government actively provides technical support, promotes trade, and connects consumers, helping the tea handicraft industry become a key economic sector, contributing to increased income, job creation, and promoting sustainable rural economic restructuring.

Ms. Bui Phuong Thao, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vo Tranh commune, said: Currently, 100% of establishments and cooperatives in the area have invested in tea processing equipment using new technology. In the coming time, the commune will continue to support training and guidance on production according to standard procedures to continuously improve the value of local tea products.

Thai Nguyen province has also issued many policies to encourage the development of small-scale handicrafts. For the period 2025-2030, the province aims to support hundreds of establishments each year in technological innovation, improving product quality and competitiveness. At the same time, it will continue to effectively implement the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program, linking the development of small-scale handicrafts with community tourism and building distinctive brands for each locality.

Mr. Nguyen Tung Duong, representative of Viet Thai Tea Joint Stock Company, said: Thanks to the attention of departments and agencies and the support from the budget, the enterprise has more opportunities to invest in modern machinery, improve production capacity and product quality.

Not only relying on government support, many small-scale handicraft establishments have proactively innovated their methods. Many production households have boldly applied digital technology in advertising, sales, and reaching customers through social media and e-commerce platforms. Some businesses have also participated in international trade fairs to seek cooperation opportunities and expand export markets.

In practice, the development of small-scale handicraft production has contributed to creating a new face for rural Thai Nguyen. Tens of thousands of workers have stable jobs, many families have become well-off, and the material and spiritual lives of the people are increasingly improving.

During the 2025-2030 term, one of the province's strategic breakthroughs is to strengthen investment attraction, especially in industrial zones and clusters, renewable energy, services, tourism, and agricultural and forestry product processing; promote entrepreneurship and develop collective economic activities in rural areas; mobilize, manage, and effectively utilize investment resources; and develop a green and circular economy.

These systematic steps, linking tradition and modernity, production and market, will help small-scale industries become an important driving force, contributing to the comprehensive, prosperous, and sustainable development of rural Thai Nguyen; concretizing the goals of the Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress, term 2025-2030.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202510/dong-luc-giup-nong-thon-phat-trien-27022cb/