Making a fortune from the forest in Van Han

In Van Han commune, Mr. Pham Van Long is one of the exemplary farmers, having dedicated nearly 30 years to forestry. Starting from nothing, he persistently improved the land and cared for each tree, transforming barren hills into thriving acacia, eucalyptus, and fruit orchards. As a result, his family earns billions of dong annually, becoming a role model of diligence and creativity in agriculture.

Mr. Pham Van Long invested over 400 million VND to purchase drones for spraying pesticides, fertilizing, and transporting seedlings.

In the 1990s, when the movement to reforest barren land and hills was launched, Mr. Pham Van Long boldly registered to receive land for reforestation. The government allocated a few hectares to his family and provided acacia and eucalyptus seedlings. Despite facing many difficulties in terms of capital and technology, he persevered, working and learning from agricultural extension officers and those who had gone before him.

Thanks to his perseverance, the first acacia saplings took root, greening the barren land. When he harvested the first batch of trees, he realized the enormous potential of forestry: it provided a stable income while contributing to environmental protection, soil conservation, and water preservation for his homeland.

After nearly 30 years dedicated to forestry, Mr. Long's family has expanded their land area through land acquisition and partnerships, now owning 70 hectares of acacia and eucalyptus plantations. Their staggered planting model ensures that approximately 10 hectares are ready for harvesting each year, guaranteeing a steady income. Besides forest trees, he also cultivates 2 hectares of fruit trees such as pomelo, black olive, and sapodilla, planting them interspersed to maximize land use efficiency.

Mr. Pham Van Long shared: "Anything requires perseverance and hard work. To apply knowledge to production, I participate in annual training courses on scientific and technical transfer organized by the Farmers' Association of the commune. When harvesting acacia and eucalyptus trees, I choose the method of selective thinning to preserve the forest and nurture long-term benefits. By combining this with fruit tree cultivation, my family has a stable source of income."

Not only relying on experience, Mr. Long also boldly applied science and technology . In 2023, he invested over 400 million VND to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for spraying pesticides, fertilizing, and transporting seedlings. "Thanks to drones, the work is easier, productivity is higher, pests and diseases are dealt with promptly, and labor costs are significantly reduced," he said.

The vast eucalyptus and acacia forests belonging to Mr. Pham Van Long's family in Van Han hamlet, Van Han commune.

Currently, his family earns an average of over 2 billion VND per year, while also providing stable employment for 5-7 local workers with decent incomes. He is also willing to share his experience and provide guidance on planting, caring for, and harvesting techniques to people in the area, helping many households confidently develop forest-based economic activities .

Mr. Luu Ngoc Hien, an official of the Farmers' Association of Van Han commune, commented: "Mr. Pham Van Long is a model member, dynamic and creative in economic development, and also exemplary in the new rural development movement; always willing to provide technical support to other households. In recent years, he has donated hundreds of square meters of land to open rural roads and contributed to the construction of 5 solar-powered streetlights, making it easier for people to travel."

The story of Mr. Pham Van Long's success in forestry is a vivid testament to the willpower, perseverance, and foresight of farmers in the era of integration. With his diligent hands, unwavering determination, and daring spirit, Mr. Long has proven that forestry is a sustainable path forward.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202511/lam-giau-tu-rung-o-van-han-c292034/