The model of growing Western Thai bananas opens a sustainable way out of poverty in Bao Ha

In recent years, Bao Ha commune has always strived to find economic development directions suitable to local conditions, focusing on implementing effective poverty reduction models according to the National Target Program. Through propaganda and mobilization, many people have boldly changed their production thinking and tested new models. In particular, the Tay Thai banana growing model initially brought hope for a new direction to help increase income and sustainably reduce poverty.

Tay Thai banana growing areas in Bao Ha commune.

Ban Khoai 1 village is one of the disadvantaged areas of Bao Ha commune, located far from the center with limited production conditions. However, the bold spirit of change of the local people is creating positive changes.

Mr. Thao A Sao, from Ban Khoai 1 village, is one of the first households to respond to the banana growing model promoted by the commune. Mr. Sao shared that in the past, his family mainly grew corn and cassava, but the efficiency was low, the hilly land was infertile, so the income was unstable. When the commune called for participation in the experimental model of growing Tay Thai bananas, he boldly registered 1 hectare with 2,000 trees.

At first, I was also hesitant because I did not know whether this type of tree was suitable for the local soil or not. After being trained by the commune on planting and care techniques and supported with seeds and fertilizers, I decided to try it. After more than 5 months, I saw that the banana tree grew very well, with large, strong trunks, suitable for hilly land. The care is not too hard, just need to plant properly, then prune the leaves and fertilize periodically. Up to now, my family's 1 hectare banana garden is about to bloom, promising a good harvest in early 2026.

Mr. Thao A Sao, Ban Khoai 1 village.

Mr. Thao A Sao takes care of his family's Tay Thai banana garden.

In addition to being a pioneer, Mr. Sao also actively mobilized people in the village and in the region to participate and spread the spirit of changing production models. "Ban Khoai 1 village has 57 households, of which 5 are poor. We are encouraging poor households and households in need to grow bananas together in the near future. If the model is effective, people's lives will certainly improve significantly," said Mr. Sao.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Hoai Thu - Agricultural Extension Officer of Bao Ha Commune, the Tay Thai banana model is bringing positive signals. The commune selected 6 households to participate in the first phase with a total area of ​​11.3 hectares, supported 22,600 banana seedlings, nearly 12 tons of fertilizer and organized technical training courses from planting to harvesting.

After testing, the Tay Thai banana tree was determined to be suitable for local soil conditions. When combined with output from the banana fiber production cooperative, the model is more sustainable and has a higher potential for replication in the future.

Ms. Tran Thi Hoai Thu - Agricultural Extension officer of Bao Ha commune.

A banana spinning team in Bao Ha commune.

In addition to the output from commercial banana production, Bao Ha people now have more opportunities to increase their income thanks to the deep processing chain from banana trees.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong - Vice Chairman of Bao Ha Commune People's Committee said that in the commune there are currently 3 banana fiber spinning groups, 1 banana fiber spinning group combined with mushroom farming; the models are organized in association to make the most of the parts of the tree such as banana stems, banana sheaths, banana leaves - parts that were previously often discarded.

Having more outlets for raw materials from banana trees has motivated many households to boldly participate in banana growing, because the model brings efficiency from selling fruit and increases stable income from banana trees and leaves supplied to fiber production facilities. This is also a sustainable direction, contributing to creating more jobs locally and expanding the product value chain.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong - Vice Chairman of Bao Ha Commune People's Committee.

Currently, with the support of the locality under poverty reduction programs, people have also proactively purchased banana seedlings to expand the area and a part of the area is being implemented according to the chain. The participation of the government and the response of the people have created a new driving force for the local poverty reduction work.

The Western Thai banana model is opening up new development opportunities for Bao Ha.

Previously, many households were familiar with traditional production practices, so they were hesitant to approach the new model. Now, with the stable conditions of expanded product output, people are more confident in changing the crop structure. This is an important foundation for Bao Ha commune to continue to replicate the poverty reduction model in the coming years.

The Tay Thai banana growing model is opening up new hope for development for Bao Ha commune. When people change their thinking, the government supports and the new model proves effective, poverty reduction will progress faster and more firmly.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/mo-hinh-trong-chuoi-tay-thai-mo-duong-thoat-ngheo-ben-vung-o-bao-ha-post888148.html