We visited the Ruc villages at the end of April, amidst the scorching heat of the early season. On the still-fresh soil, the villagers were sweating profusely as they watered their pineapple fields, planted just a few weeks prior. Despite the sweltering heat, no one complained; everyone understood that this first pineapple crop was a new source of livelihood, opening up a promising path for economic development for the Ruc people.
Launched in late 2025, the pineapple planting project in the Ruc ethnic minority villages covers an area of nearly 4.5 hectares. From the very beginning, the villagers attentively listened to the technical staff's instructions on everything from planting cuttings and spacing to care techniques. These new tasks gradually became familiar through each training session and each day of working in the fields.
Mr. Dinh Xuan Bang, head of the pineapple farming cooperative in Yen Hop village, Kim Phu commune, said that initially, through propaganda and mobilization efforts, people found it new and unfamiliar. But later, as they gradually learned about it, they were very enthusiastic. He hopes that in the future, pineapple cultivation will develop and bring economic benefits, helping people reduce their arduous journeys into the deep forests and mountains for a living. Instead, they can work locally, gradually adapting to new production methods and stabilizing their lives.
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| The Ruc people actively participate in planting and caring for pineapple fields - Photo: XP |
Having joined the cooperative from its early days, Ms. Cao Thi Duyen from Yen Hop village happily shared that for many years, the villagers have received much attention and support from the State, so when they heard about the pineapple planting project, everyone volunteered to participate. All technical aspects are guided by officials, and the villagers carefully learn and follow the instructions to gain experience. The villagers believe that pineapple cultivation will bring prosperity to their community.
For generations, the Ruc people's lives have been intertwined with the mountains and forests, making a living through hunting and gathering. Following the success of the Ruc Lan rice cultivation model, the pineapple cultivation model is opening up a new direction. More than just adding another crop, this model contributes to the formation of a commodity-based production mindset, gradually helping the people become more proactive in economic development and moving towards sustainable agriculture .
Ms. Cao Thi Hoa, from Mo O O O village, is one of the last Ruc people born in a cave and who was persuaded by the Border Guard to settle in the village. Despite her advanced age and frail health, she doesn't participate in the pineapple farming cooperative, but she is very happy to see the pineapple plants sprouting. She says that the Ruc people are different now; their lives are gradually becoming more stable, many children are receiving education and going out to work, but many difficulties still remain. From the early days of rice cultivation, with the Border Guard guiding them, the villagers felt secure, and now with the addition of pineapples, they will have more income, making everyone happy.
According to Nguyen Huu Tho, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Kim Phu commune, the pineapple cultivation model in the Ruc ethnic minority villages is being implemented on an area of over 4.5 hectares, starting from the end of 2025, prioritizing support for disadvantaged households to develop their livelihoods. Along with seeds and supplies, technical staff are directly involved in guiding the villagers to gradually master the new farming methods. Beyond supporting production, the project also contributes to changing perceptions, helping villagers shift from exploiting natural resources to planned agriculture. Most importantly, it changes the mindset of the villagers regarding economic development, striving for a better life, and not relying solely on government support.
Although it was only their first pineapple crop, on each new plot of land belonging to the Ruc people, confidence and a sense of self-reliance began to blossom, promising to open up a sustainable path for the people here.
X. Phu
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202605/mo-hinh-sinh-ke-moi-cua-dong-bao-ruc-cd218a7/
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