Effectiveness of Program 1719 in Muong Khieng Commune

Over the five years of implementing the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2021-2030, in Phase I, from 2021 to 2025 (Program 1719), it has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Son La province in general, and the particularly difficult communes and villages, and ethnic minority areas of the province in particular.

Officials from Muong Khieng commune inspect the care of cattle provided under Program 1719.

Implementing Program 1719, the People's Committee of Thuan Chau (formerly) district approved the project for raising breeding cows in Nuong Ha, Nhoc, and Khieng villages, Muong Khieng commune, for the period 2021-2025. Accordingly, 120 poor and near-poor households in Muong Khieng commune are eligible beneficiaries; with a total project budget of over 2.67 billion VND. The funding is part of Sub-project 2, Project 3.

The family of Mr. Lo Van Hai, from Nuong Ha village, is one of the households benefiting from that project. Along with officials from Muong Khieng commune, we visited Mr. Lo Van Hai's family just as they were covering their cattle shed to protect the cows from the cold. Mr. Lo Van On, Mr. Lo Van Hai's father, said: "My son's family is a poor household. Last March, we received a breeding cow from the State's Program 1719. The cow is a very valuable asset to our family. Recently, the cow gave birth to a calf, and the family is very happy. My son works far away, so every day I help him take care of the cow, ensuring it grows and develops well. I hope the herd continues to grow so that our family can develop a sustainable economy ."

People in Muong Khieng commune are caring for cattle that were supported by Program 1719.

To support local people in raising cattle effectively, Muong Khieng commune, in coordination with relevant agencies, organized three training courses on: how to build barns, techniques for caring for and breeding cattle; disease prevention and treatment; and using readily available feed sources for cattle, with the participation of over 120 people in the commune. The selection of breeds, quality control, and handover process were carried out rigorously, under the supervision of community groups, veterinary officers, and the local people. The cattle delivered to households met the required standards regarding age, weight, and health.

People prepare feed reserves for their cows during the winter.

Mr. Quang Van Tiep, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Khieng commune, said: "The project supporting breeding cows for poor and near-poor households under Sub-project 2, Project 3 is a highlight of Program 1719 in Muong Khieng commune. This support is linked to the main livelihoods of the people and is suitable to the local natural conditions. It addresses immediate difficulties for poor and near-poor households while creating a foundation for long-term economic development, suitable to the region's conditions, and directly contributing to the goal of sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development of the locality. Through practical implementation, the cattle herd has developed well, adapting to local conditions and feed sources. Many households' cows have gained weight quickly, and some have already given birth to their first calves. This shows the effectiveness of breeding and stable growth; creating income for households and contributing to sustainable poverty reduction."

The project implementation process has created jobs for participating households, increased their income, stabilized their lives, contributed to production development, and helped them escape poverty. Through the project's implementation, households have gradually changed their traditional production practices, improved their education and awareness in the project area; and effectively utilized state policies and resources to help people achieve sustainable poverty alleviation.

Farmers in Muong Khieng commune take care of their cows.

To expedite the implementation of Program 1719 in the area, in the coming time, Muong Khieng commune will focus on developing detailed plans, closely adhering to each specific sub-project on a monthly and quarterly basis; clearly assigning responsibilities to each official and village to shorten implementation time and minimize delays in the appraisal and approval process.

Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Huong, Head of the Economic Department of Muong Khieng commune, said: The department will strengthen close coordination between agencies and units in guiding the preparation of documents, conducting on-site inspections, selecting suppliers, and resolving any arising issues to ensure smooth progress.   At the same time, strengthen communication and create consensus among the people regarding the objectives, target groups, and implementation process of the program. Conduct timely and transparent review of target groups in accordance with regulations, ensuring public oversight and monitoring, thereby minimizing prolonged complaints and disputes that affect the program's progress.

Thanks to the attention of the Party and the State, and the timely implementation of projects and sub-projects under Program 1719, the material and spiritual lives of ethnic minority people in Muong Khieng commune have gradually improved, reducing the development gap between ethnic minority areas and other regions.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/nong-nghiep/hieu-qua-tu-chuong-trinh-1719-o-xa-muong-khieng-7gOBbVGvR.html