Infrastructure is one step ahead.

Visiting the new rural villages and specialized clean vegetable production areas of Dak Po district, we were impressed by the local infrastructure, including internal roads and small-scale irrigation systems. We were impressed because in the past, mentioning Dak Po immediately brought to mind a poor district with underdeveloped infrastructure. But now, thanks to sound policies and solutions, Dak Po is showing a new face, bringing positive results in production and improving the lives of its people.

Mr. Dinh Truynh, from De Cho Gang village, Phu An commune, Dak Po district, excitedly shared with everyone: "Previously, my family's 4 sao (approximately 0.4 hectares) of rice only yielded about 1.2 tons. Now, with guaranteed irrigation and guidance on cultivation techniques from officials at all levels, the rice yield is much higher, reaching 1.6-1.8 tons per crop. My family not only has enough rice to eat but also has surplus to sell on the market, allowing us to accumulate savings."

Leaders of Dak Po district inspect and survey the clean vegetable growing area in Tan An commune.

Not only Mr. Dinh Truynh, but also 137 households in De Cho Gang village, including 124 ethnic minority households, have an average income of 41 million VND per person per year. This prosperity of the village is thanks to the upgraded irrigation system drawing water from the To Do reservoir and the development of transportation infrastructure. From 2016 to the present, Dak Po district has invested in and supported De Cho Gang village in repairing the irrigation dam, donating seedlings, livestock, and fertilizers with a total cost of over 3.5 billion VND. In addition, Phu An commune has also mobilized resources to concrete and harden the internal village roads.

According to Comrade Huynh Van Hon, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dak Po District: In recent years, the District Party Committee, the District People's Council, and the District People's Committee have paid special attention to leading, directing, and implementing many comprehensive and effective solutions to mobilize resources for investment in transportation and irrigation infrastructure. To date, the district has 16 reservoirs (2 large reservoirs, 14 small reservoirs); 2 electric pumping stations; 2 diversion dams and many ponds, lakes, and dams. The total irrigated area according to the design of the irrigation works is 490 hectares of various crops. “With the perspective of infrastructure development leading the way, during the 2015-2020 period, Dak Po district mobilized over 49 billion VND in investment capital to develop small-scale irrigation works, on-farm irrigation, and canal reinforcement. As a result, the transportation and irrigation infrastructure systems are gradually meeting the requirements for agricultural product transportation, proactive irrigation, and improved production efficiency,” Comrade Huynh Van Hon informed.

Unlocking potential and advantages.

Besides focusing on implementing three national target programs: building new rural areas; developing the socio-economic conditions of ethnic minority and mountainous regions; and sustainable poverty reduction, Dak Po district is seeking new directions to maximize its potential and advantages. In particular, the district prioritizes the development of specialized vegetable and fruit growing areas, linked with the application of science and technology, building value chain linkages, developing hybrid cattle herds using high-tech methods; and developing tourism combined with clean agricultural experiences.

Dak Po District has a natural area of ​​over 50,000 hectares, of which agricultural land accounts for more than 42,000 hectares, or 84.14% of the total area. Dak Po's land resources include a thick topsoil layer, a mild climate, and low average temperatures, favorable for agricultural development. The Dak Po District Party Committee has issued specialized resolutions on infrastructure development, agricultural development, and tourism ; gradually forming vegetable production areas with the certified brand "Dak Po Vegetables," specialized fruit cultivation, and high-economic-value fruit trees. Changes in mindset and practices among the people, application of techniques and technologies, construction of greenhouses for safe vegetable production according to VietGAP standards; development of models such as: growing mandarin oranges, seedless custard apples combined with water-saving irrigation, and intensive cultivation of longan trees. The linkage between businesses, cooperatives, and farmers to develop high-quality beef cattle farming... has contributed to an estimated annual growth rate of 7.66% in production value from 2020 to the present; and an estimated per capita income of 44.7 million VND in 2023.

Comrade Le Thi Thanh Mai, Secretary of the Dak Po District Party Committee, stated: "The District Party Committee aims to achieve over 80% of the main internal field roads paved by 2025; the area planted with various types of vegetables will reach 6,915 hectares, and the area planted with fruit trees will be 685 hectares; the number of hybrid cattle in the district will reach 14,780, with the hybrid rate accounting for 89% of the total cattle herd; and the formation of tourism models and destinations associated with agriculture such as: the Da Lua fruit-growing area; the fruit orchards along the road to Ha Tam pine hill; and the Tan An vegetable-specialized farming area. The district is also promoting and attracting investment in the development of agriculture, forestry, and tourism according to a green and sustainable growth model. Currently, there are 5 projects in the district that have completed procedures and are awaiting approval from the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, along with many projects that have investors registered to implement and projects that the district is currently seeking investment for, creating a foundation for economic growth and improving the lives of local people." direction".

Text and photos: NGUYEN ANH SON

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