Veterans shine on the economic front

Veteran Nguyen Si Dao (left), Ngo Quyen village, Cong Hoa commune (Hung Ha) introduces fruit basket products.

Fruit basket "artist"

Promoting the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers", returning to normal life, veteran Nguyen Si Dao, Ngo Quyen village, Cong Hoa commune, chose to start a business making handmade fruit baskets to supply the market, gradually building an effective economic model, not only bringing stable income to his family but also creating jobs for many local workers.

Returning after 12 years of military service, Mr. Dao used to work as a farmer, a construction worker... but his income was unstable, not enough to cover his living expenses. In 2021, while going to the Tet market, he realized that the market for gift baskets and fruit baskets was growing strongly, so he decided to try making fruit baskets with beautiful designs, good quality but affordable prices. He shared: To produce a fruit basket, I first have to use a frame bending machine to bend the slats into the standard shape of the basket (round, oval, square)... The basket frame is fixed with a stapler or hand-tied depending on the model. After having the frame, the worker uses pressed paper to weave around the frame to create the body of the basket, then makes the base and handle. To improve production efficiency and ensure quality, I boldly invested in a system of supporting machinery, notably frame bending machines, presses, and automatic staplers. Initially, we only produced a few baskets a day by hand, but after investing in machinery, training workers, and cooperating with satellite production sites, we produced nearly 2,000 raw products a day.

After more than 4 years, Mr. Dao's fruit basket production facility has expanded to a total area of ​​over ^200m2 , creating regular jobs for 15 satellite workers, mainly women and war veterans in the commune. At each satellite location, Mr. Dao provides raw materials, designs models and provides technical support. Ms. Nguyen Thi Uom, Cong Hoa commune, shared: Since working as a satellite fruit basket production facility for Mr. Dao, I have produced more than 200 products per day, with a stable income of about 4 - 5 million VND/month. We can work at home, do not have to go far, and take care of our children and house. Mr. Nguyen Cong Canh, Cong Hoa commune, said: Mr. Dao is very dedicated, whenever there is a new model, he brings it to the place to guide us how to make it. The machines are light and easy to use. My husband and I both participate, with a peak month earning nearly 10 million VND.

According to Mr. To Trong Thu, Chairman of the Association of War Veterans of Cong Hoa Commune: The model of war veteran Nguyen Si Dao is one of the typical examples in the movement of "Exemplary war veterans who do good business" in the locality. Not only promoting the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in peacetime, he is also an example of the spirit of overcoming difficulties, creativity and dedication. His fruit basket production model not only brings economic value, creates jobs for many war veterans but also contributes to building the image of former soldiers in the new era: Hardworking, responsible, loyal and daring to innovate.

From "veteran" to "new farmer"

Like many young men in their eighteens and twenties with noble ideals, in 1978, Mr. Nguyen Duc Xuan, from Dong Phu village, Doc Lap commune, volunteered to join the army to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland. During his military service, he was always an exemplary person, a pioneer in all tasks. In 1982, after completing his mission excellently, he was demobilized and returned to his hometown.

Witnessing the poverty of his homeland and the hardships of the people, with the courage and spirit of Uncle Ho's soldiers, Mr. Xuan converted and rented from the people 2.6 hectares of alluvial land along the Red River to develop pig farming and grow fruit trees. Up to now, he has raised nearly 300 pigs, each batch of 12 - 15 tons and hundreds of chickens; on the remaining area, he planted hundreds of grapefruit and jackfruit trees, etc., thereby bringing his family an income of nearly 1 billion VND/year. In addition, he also took advantage of the Red River to raise 10 fish cages, harvesting 3 tons of fish/cage/year. Currently, he has just planted 3 - 4 quintals of catfish/cage. He shared: Doing business is like fighting an enemy, you must have a strategy and not be afraid of failure. The most important thing is to keep your word, always aiming for the common interests of your family and homeland. To be successful, you must be willing to learn, dare to think, dare to do. I think if everyone can maintain a proactive spirit like a soldier, they can be successful whether farming or doing business.

Veteran Nguyen Duc Xuan (right), Dong Phu village, Doc Lap commune (Hung Ha) takes care of fruit trees.

Not only doing well in economics, CCB Nguyen Duc Xuan also actively participated in the movement to build new rural areas and advanced new rural areas in the locality such as: supporting construction materials (sand, stone, cement) with a total value of 200 million VND, contributing to building rural infrastructure with the people. As a branch cadre, he is always a pioneer in all movements, actively propagating and mobilizing members and their families to well implement the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws. Mr. Le Trong Thu, Chairman of the Association of War Veterans in Doc Lap commune, said: From scratch, CCB Nguyen Duc Xuan has successfully built an effective comprehensive agricultural production model, creating high and stable income. Not only developing the economy well, he is also an exemplary association cadre, enthusiastically supporting members and people to rise out of poverty. His model is a vivid testament to the spirit of autonomy and aspiration to contribute of former soldiers in the new era.

Two war veterans with different career paths, but they have one thing in common: Maintaining the spirit of a soldier, living responsibly, daring to innovate and being willing to share, not only enriching themselves but also spreading positive inspiration to the community. They are the brilliant "flowers" contributing to beautifying the new rural picture, continuing the glorious tradition of Uncle Ho's soldiers, for an increasingly innovative, rich and civilized Hung Ha.

Thanh Thuy

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/4/222183/linh-cuu-toa-sang-tren-mat-tran-kinh-te