When farmers are flexible in developing the economy

Through emulation movements, the Ham Thuan Nam Commune Farmers' Association has produced many outstanding and exemplary individuals who have been commended by the Vietnam Central Farmers' Association. This is the most concrete result of promoting the spirit of solidarity and creativity of its members in emulation, overcoming difficulties, and developing the economy.

A betel nut seedling nursery owned by a farmer in Ham Thuan Nam commune.

Focus on key crops, and be flexible in switching to other crops.

Currently, Ham Thuan Nam commune has 3,435 farmer members participating in 15 branches and 55 groups. The emulation movements organized synchronously from the branches and groups have helped members connect and support each other in production, transform the structure of crops and livestock, and apply science and technology to production.

Dragon fruit remains the main crop of the commune, covering an area of ​​over 3,215 hectares. Mr. Tran Duy Hoai, Vice Chairman of the Ham Thuan Nam Commune Farmers' Association, stated that in the past nine months, dragon fruit production reached over 59,000 tons. Notably, the area producing according to VietGAP standards has reached over 2,038 hectares, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total area, contributing to improving product quality and meeting export market requirements. The Association has intensified its efforts to promote and encourage farmers to produce in a safe and sustainable manner, focusing on controlling brown spot disease and other pests and diseases affecting dragon fruit plants.

For some areas with old, low-yielding dragon fruit trees, farmers have proactively switched to new, more productive crops. Mr. Hoai added: "Currently, over 10 households have switched to growing bamboo, coconut, betel nut, pomelo, etc., which has initially yielded positive results." Simultaneously, the association has encouraged farmers to boost livestock and poultry farming, focusing on disease prevention and control for crops and livestock to ensure stable and sustainable production. Thanks to this flexibility in production, farmers have not only maintained their main crops but have also gradually diversified their livelihoods, hopefully opening up a sustainable agricultural development direction for the locality.

Besides focusing on production, farmers in the commune also actively participate in the New Rural Development movement, such as dredging and repairing canals, contributing to the construction of rural roads, and raising funds for scholarships for poor students. Many effective models continue to be maintained, such as the Farmers' Club on Law, and the model of "Businesses with conditions related to security and order associated with combating drug abuse"...

Many funding channels provide support to farmers.

To facilitate members in expanding production, the Ham Thuan Nam Commune Farmers' Association has diversified its loan sources. Currently, the association manages two Farmers' Support Fund projects with a total of 350 million VND for 19 households to borrow for production investment.

In addition, the association collaborates with the Social Policy Bank to manage 11 savings and loan groups, supporting 558 households with a total outstanding loan balance of over 24 billion VND, focusing on poor and near-poor households, students, and rural clean water projects. Furthermore, the entrusted lending activities through Agribank Ham Thuan Nam have also proven effective, with 13 linked groups and 729 participating households, totaling over 85 billion VND in outstanding loans. These capital sources have helped many households confidently expand production, apply advanced technologies, and improve their income. The association regularly inspects and reminds households to use capital for its intended purpose, ensuring timely repayment of principal and interest, and preventing misappropriation that could damage the organization's reputation.

Under the guidance of the Party Committee and with the close coordination of the government, the Fatherland Front, and other organizations, the activities of the Farmers' Association in the commune have become increasingly orderly, creative, and effective. The Association also plays a good role as a "bridge" in bringing the policies and guidelines of the Party and the State to its members; mobilizing farmers to participate in social insurance and health insurance, and effectively utilizing capital from various channels to develop family economies.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/khi-nong-dan-linh-hoat-phat-trien-kinh-te-393348.html