Mr. Le Ty, residing in residential area 3 An Tay, a member of the An Cuu Ward Farmers' Association, is tending his ornamental apricot blossom garden.

Pointing to the bonsai-style yellow apricot trees in his garden, Mr. Le Ty, residing in residential area 3 An Tay and a member of the An Cuu Ward Farmers' Association, shared: “My garden currently has over 400 bonsai-style apricot trees, mainly the popular Hue yellow apricot trees . Previously, I worked as a tree caretaker, but in 2019 I started my own garden. Depending on the shape, each tree costs from 50 to 70 million VND. Besides growing and selling yellow apricot trees, I also provide tree care services for those who need it.”

Not only Mr. Ty's model, but many members of farmers' associations in An Cuu ward have boldly invested in small-scale, efficient production models, combining trade and services. Businesses selling goods have expanded, and some traditional crafts continue to be maintained, contributing to job creation and increased income for the people.

However, rapid urbanization also poses numerous challenges for local farmers. In fact, many large-scale land reclamation projects have altered the labor structure, directly impacting agricultural production and the livelihoods of a segment of the farming population. This necessitates timely support solutions to help people transition to new occupations and adapt to the new production environment.

According to statistics, An Cuu ward currently has 845 farmer members, mainly active in agriculture, trade, services, livestock farming, and crop cultivation. “The total agricultural land area of ​​the ward has decreased significantly due to urbanization, currently standing at 590.76 hectares. Many farmer branches no longer have land for production, such as Branches 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 of An Tay and Branch 22 of An Dong,” said Ms. Chau Thi Thuy Kieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of An Cuu ward and Chairman of the An Cuu Ward Farmers' Association.

In light of this situation, despite facing numerous difficulties, the An Cuu Ward Farmers' Association has mobilized its members in various branches to promote production and business development; transform the structure of crops and livestock; and expand new industries in a way that exploits the potential and advantages of the locality.

The association has established a club of skilled farmers and business owners, and will soon establish the Hoang Mai branch in An Cuu ward with over 30 members. This will be an environment and forum for members to exchange experiences and support each other in economic development.

Despite the shrinking area of ​​agricultural land, the reality shows that many farmer members in An Cuu ward have proactively utilized available resources to maintain production and diversify their livelihoods. Rice, vegetables, ornamental plants, acacia and eucalyptus trees for timber, and small-scale livestock farming are still maintained by farmer branches such as: Branches 8, 9, and 10 of An Tay; Branches 1 and 2 of Nhi Dong; and Branch 14 of An Dong.

“Besides technical expertise, access to loan capital is also a major concern for many members. The branches have guided members in accessing capital from the Farmers' Support Fund. At the same time, they have coordinated with the Social Policy Bank and the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank to facilitate loans for members to expand production and develop their businesses,” said Mr. Mai Thanh Trac, Head of the Ornamental Plant Cooperative in An Cuu Ward.

In the coming period, An Cuu ward will continue to encourage residents to shift from small-scale production models to high-value-added service, trade, and production models suitable for the urban space. The locality prioritizes the development of commercial and tourism services associated with exploiting existing potential such as historical site experiential tourism, traditional culinary services, and street cultural spaces… to gradually form distinctive products capable of competing in the market.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Quang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hue City, and Chairman of the Hue City Farmers' Association, stated: “In the context of rapid urbanization, the transformation of livelihoods towards diversification and flexibility is an inevitable trend. With the support of the government and associations, farmers in An Cuu ward are gradually adapting, effectively exploiting potential, increasing income, and contributing to building a sustainably developed urban area.”

Text and photos: QUOC ANH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nong-dan-an-cuu-chuyen-doi-sinh-ke-164184.html