New economic models in Quang Chieu border commune.

Many new economic models are being implemented in the border commune of Quang Chieu, creating a clear shift in the production mindset of the people. From mainly relying on traditional crops such as corn and cassava, the people have boldly switched to other crops and livestock, gradually moving towards commodity production and sustainable economic development.

Leaders of Quang Chieu commune visited the integrated economic model of the family of Mr. Lo Van Hang, Party Secretary and Head of Poong village.

In Poong village, we visited the integrated economic model of Mr. Lo Van Hang, the Party branch secretary and village head. On nearly 1 hectare of hilly land, Mr. Hang has boldly converted to growing oranges and lychees combined with raising livestock and poultry for commercial purposes. The lush green hillside boasts over 200 lychee trees and nearly 100 orange trees thriving. At the foot of the hill is a well-planned livestock area for raising buffaloes and breeding sows. Mr. Hang said: "Previously, my family also worked in corn and cassava fields like many households in the village. However, after many years of farming, I realized that if we continued to produce according to old practices, it would be very difficult to increase income, and poverty would still persist. As the Party branch secretary and village head, I am concerned that many people are still hesitant and reluctant to change. While vegetables and food from the lowlands have to be transported up here to sell, our people are slow to adapt to meet the demand. Many people are still wondering what crops to plant, what livestock to raise, and who to sell them to. We have to lead by example so that people can see the effectiveness, and only then will we be able to change their mindset."

Thanks to diligently learning new techniques and proactively seeking markets for their products, Mr. Hang's family's integrated economic model now generates nearly 100 million VND in income annually after deducting expenses. Even more noteworthy is that this model has inspired many households in the village to boldly convert barren hillside land into fruit orchards and develop livestock farming for commercial purposes.

Leaving Poong village, we arrived at Sang village just as the villagers were beginning their melon harvest. Amidst the early summer sun of the border region, the lush green fields of watermelons and Laotian melons stretched out, creating a scene quite different from our previous image of dry, barren land due to lack of water. Sang village currently has 77 households, of which 36 participate in the melon cultivation model, covering a total area of ​​approximately 10 hectares. This is considered one of the most effective crop restructuring models in Quang Chieu.

Introducing melon cultivation has directly increased the value per unit of cultivated land. Previously, the land was primarily used for corn cultivation, resulting in low yields and heavy reliance on weather conditions. Now, many households have a more stable source of income. This year, favorable weather conditions have helped melon yields reach 15-20 tons per hectare. Amidst the melon fields in the harvest season, joy is evident on the faces of the people. Beyond providing a substantial income, the melon cultivation model also demonstrates a shift in the production mindset of the highland people: a willingness to think outside the box, take initiative, and proactively adapt to the local conditions.

Not content with just developing fruit trees, Quang Chieu has been gradually forming and sustainably developing many economic models over the years. Among them, the model of producing Cay Noi sticky rice as a commercial crop is gradually establishing itself as a key crop and dominating the market; other models include growing bamboo shoots and other types of bamboo. In livestock farming, many households have also shifted from small-scale to concentrated development with models such as raising local black pigs, breeding buffaloes and cattle, etc.

Notably, in the villages of Suoi Tut and Con Dao, the model of growing Lao oranges is being widely adopted by the local people. From a few households initially experimenting, now almost all households in the village participate in growing oranges. Some have a few dozen trees, while others have up to several hectares, gradually forming an orange growing area of ​​over 20 hectares. The story of earning hundreds of millions of dong annually from oranges is no longer unfamiliar to many Dao ethnic households here. Besides providing a stable source of income, the orange growing area also opens up opportunities for ecotourism development linked to experiencing the orchards and local culture, in line with the local government's orientation.

Mr. Trieu Minh Xiet, Secretary of the Party Committee of Quang Chieu commune, said: "What the locality hopes for most is not only to increase people's income, but also to gradually change the production mindset in the border region. When people proactively switch crops and livestock, know how to link production and find markets for their products, that is an important foundation for sustainable economic development. The commune will continue to orient towards expanding effective models, linking production with the development of distinctive products and community tourism suitable to local conditions."

From its initial small-scale economic models, the border commune of Quang Chieu is now transforming. On the hillsides once only familiar with corn and cassava, new crops have appeared: lush green melon fields, orchards laden with oranges, and commercial livestock farming models. More valuable than anything else is the economic benefit, the change in mindset of the highland people: from waiting and dependence to proactively seeking new directions using their own land and local advantages.

Text and photos: Dinh Giang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhung-mo-hinh-kinh-te-moi-o-xa-vung-bien-quang-chieu-288220.htm