"Sowing green seeds" on the fields of Thanh Hoa province.

The meaningful cooperation program between Lendwithcare, HUSK Vietnam Co., Ltd., and Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization not only provides livelihood capital for the people but also instills in farming households affected by natural disasters a belief in a sustainable path, opening up new hope on the land of Thanh Hoa - where farmers still persevere through many difficulties and challenges, persistently preserving the greenness of their fields.

This project, promoting the use of organic and environmentally friendly fertilizers, is being implemented by the Thanh Hoa Microbial Technology Center in collaboration with Lendwithcare and HUSK Vietnam Co., Ltd.

In late September 2025, the remnants of Typhoon No. 10 (international name Bualoi) caused very heavy rain and strong winds over a wide area in Northern and North Central Vietnam, including many localities in Thanh Hoa province. Due to the significant impact of this natural disaster, many farmers, already struggling with rising production costs, faced further difficulties as their land and crops were severely affected.

Understanding the difficulties and challenges faced by farming households, and aiming to contribute to promoting a green economy , spreading the value of humane capital, and improving livelihoods for rural people, from January to April 2026, the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization collaborated with Lendwithcare and HUSK Vietnam Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as HUSK Vietnam) to implement a project promoting the use of organic, environmentally friendly fertilizers for rice-growing households. Three farming households in Nong Cong commune, clients of Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization, who were directly affected by the aforementioned natural disasters, were selected to participate in the pilot model.

The collaboration between the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization, HUSK Vietnam, and Lendwithcare is not simply about creating a project to provide agricultural supplies to farming households affected by natural disasters and market fluctuations. More importantly, the project aims to change farmers' farming mindset: from dependence on chemical fertilizers to adopting regenerative agriculture solutions, reducing emissions, improving soil quality, and enhancing crop resilience to climate change.

In this context, HUSK Vietnam is a pioneering enterprise in developing smart products from biochar with the goal of becoming a "global catalyst" to promote renewable agriculture. The company's products not only contribute to soil improvement and increased natural fertility but also help retain moisture, enhance nutrient absorption, and reduce carbon emissions in agricultural production.

Lendwithcare is an online microfinance platform founded and operated by CARE International UK. Established in 2010, Lendwithcare was built with the goal of creating a new approach and direction on the journey towards sustainable poverty reduction. Going beyond simply "giving a fish," Lendwithcare provides opportunities for sustainable development to small business owners in developing countries.

As a local partner, TCVM Thanh Hoa not only provides technical support and input products but also acts as a bridge, accompanying farmers throughout the model implementation process. TCVM Thanh Hoa organized two workshops to introduce the model and two demonstration workshops to summarize the initial results of the project, with the participation of farmers and local technical staff. From field surveys and selecting participating households to organizing training, monitoring crop growth, and providing financial support, everything was done with the goal of helping people access a new production method without significant cost pressure.

After much effort and hard work, the model yielded many positive results. Rice plants grew well, tillered vigorously, and had thicker, healthier leaves thanks to the improved high silicon content in the soil, resulting in increased yields. In particular, the model demonstrated increased resistance of rice plants to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions; blast disease control was effective, with no spread after treatment. This further motivated and instilled confidence in farmers regarding the effectiveness of the new farming method.

Based on the initial positive results, the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization plans to expand access to organic, environmentally friendly fertilizers to sugarcane farmers in the western mountainous districts of the province. Simultaneously, the organization is also researching and designing a "Farming Loan" product to better meet the needs of customers seeking access to financial products and services supporting the green agriculture trend. This is considered a crucial step in the strategy of developing inclusive finance linked to environmental protection and improving the livelihoods of rural people.

For many years, the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization (MFI) has been known for providing financial services to women, low-income households, and micro-enterprises in the province. However, the role of MFIs today has gone far beyond the meaning of traditional loans. Through cooperation programs with international partners and sustainable development businesses, the Thanh Hoa MFI is gradually asserting its role as a financial institution focused on social and environmental impact. The cooperation project with Lendwithcare and HUSK Vietnam is clear evidence of this orientation. Not only does it help people access financial resources, but the program also contributes to changing production methods, raising awareness of green agriculture, and promoting sustainable development goals in rural areas. Especially in the context of the global financial industry's increasing focus on "green credit," this model shows that MFIs can become a driving force for promoting circular economy solutions and low-emission agriculture at the community level.

Text and photos: Thùy Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/gieo-mam-xanh-บน-dong-dat-xu-thanh-289529.htm