Thai Binh people in the new homeland of Nam Bung

Mr. Dang Minh Toan - Secretary of the Party Cell of Nam Puoi village, 64 years old this year, recalls: "At that time, I was only 3 years old, I only knew that my family was going to build a new economic zone and I was very excited. After many days, we arrived at Nam Bung commune and settled in Nam Puoi village. Children helped move things, adults built huts in the middle of the forest, reclaimed each plot of land, cleared each bush of cogon grass to grow cassava and rice. Life was extremely difficult, but everyone united and overcame it."

Initially, life in the new land was extremely difficult, but with the spirit of overcoming difficulties, the Thai Binh community continuously reclaimed land and built economic models suitable for the climate and soil conditions in the highlands. In 1978, according to the twinning program to build a new economic zone of the two provinces of Thai Binh and Nghia Lo, nearly 100 households from Tien Hai and Hung Ha districts, Thai Binh province continued their journey to settle in Trung Tam village and Chan Hung village, Nam Bung commune to build a new life.

Mr. Tran Van Muoi - Chan Hung village shared: "In 1978, I followed my family here, at that time I was only 16 years old. After several days of traveling, all we saw was mountains and hills, no electricity, no roads, no clean water, only forest trees around. The following days in the makeshift bamboo house were days of eating rice mixed with cassava, malaria... All were challenges that we overcame to continue to stay here".

With their industrious and hard-working nature, the Thai Binh people who came to Nam Bung at that time brought with them the techniques of plain farming, while this land had a harsh climate. After many years of experimentation, they gradually changed their production methods, knowing how to choose suitable rice varieties, reclaiming land for cultivation, cultivating on sloping land, intercropping with other crops, and planting more fruit trees and industrial trees.

After more than half a century of settling in their new homeland, Thai Binh people now have more than 300 households, accounting for about 30% of the population in Nam Bung commune. All households now have spacious properties, green fields, and fruit-laden gardens. They have not only risen out of poverty and become rich, but are also good examples of economic success in the locality.

The family of Mr. Pham Xuan Canh, Chan Hung village is a typical example of good economic performance in the village. With 2.5 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea, more than 3 hectares of cinnamon over 10 years old, combined with raising livestock and poultry, his family's average annual income is about 350 million VND.

Mr. Canh shared: "As a generation born and raised in Nam Bung, I am always aware that developing the family economy not only affirms the industrious, hard-working nature of Thai Binh people but also contributes to building Nam Bung homeland to be more and more innovative, and the Thai Binh community here to be increasingly prosperous and developed."

Or Mr. Bui Van Hung, Chan Hung village, established Hung Bich Company Limited to process and produce black tea. Currently, the company has 20 regular workers with an income of 6 - 8 million VND/person/month, with an average revenue of over 2 billion VND/year. That is Mr. Nguyen Van Muoi, Trung Tam village, with nearly 2 hectares of terraced fields, 1 hectare of Shan Tuyet tea and citrus fruit trees.

In addition, he also invested in breeding cows and raising bees for honey. Each year, his family earns over 300 million VND... Not only enriching themselves, the Thai Binh community also helps the local people change their production habits. From only growing corn and upland rice, many households have learned how to make terraced fields, grow wet rice, and fertilize according to the techniques shared by Thai Binh people.

Not only developing the economy, Thai Binh people also set an example by contributing money, labor, and land to pave the way for new rural construction. Thanks to that, Nam Bung commune has seen many improvements in recent years, with average income per capita in 2024 reaching over 43 million VND/year, and the poverty rate falling to 10%.

Mr. Dang Ngoc Toan - Secretary of the Party Committee of Nam Bung commune said: "The Thai Binh community is an important force in the socio-economic development of the commune. They are hardworking, disciplined, have a spirit of learning and supporting each other. In the process of building a commune that meets new rural standards in 2023, the Thai Binh community has made a significant contribution. They are a bridge between the lowlands and the highlands, bringing new thinking and new methods to the highlands, while learning and integrating into the lifestyle and customs of the local community".

The story of Thai Binh people coming to build a new economic zone in Nam Bung is not only a historical memory but also a vivid testament to their strong will. From the early difficult days to today's prosperity, Thai Binh people have affirmed their position in their second homeland, where they are contributing every day to build a new homeland that is more prosperous, happy and beautiful.

Thanh Tan

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/352121/Nguoi-Thai-Binh-tren-que-moi-Nam-Bung.aspx