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| Members of the Boc Bo Mulberry Cooperative prepare mulberry leaves for feeding silkworms. |
The family of Ms. Ma Thi Duyen, from Na Leng hamlet, was one of the first households to boldly convert 2 sao (approximately 0.2 hectares) of unproductive land to mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming. After researching and learning from the experiences of other localities, and realizing that mulberry trees were suitable for the local soil and climate conditions, Ms. Ma Thi Duyen and her family decided to change their production direction.
In a short time, Mrs. Duyen's family's mulberry plantation yielded its first harvest of leaves with abundant production. Taking advantage of the local leaf source, her family bought silkworm larvae from Cao Bang to conduct a trial breeding.
According to Ms. Duyen, silkworm farming techniques are not complicated; the most important thing is to maintain a clean, airy environment to prevent silkworms from getting sick. The silkworm's growth cycle is about 15 days, with the last 5 days being the period when the silkworms eat a lot, which determines the quality of the cocoon.
A box of silkworm larvae costs 630,000 VND. After 15 days of rearing, the silkworms will consume about 600 kg of mulberry leaves and yield nearly 50 kg of cocoons. With cocoon prices ranging from 180,000 to 200,000 VND/kg, the family raises two batches per month, resulting in a pre-expense revenue of nearly 20 million VND per month.
Recognizing the clear economic benefits, Mrs. Duyen's family continued to expand their mulberry cultivation area to 7 sao (approximately 0.7 hectares). During favorable weather conditions, the family harvests nearly 200 kg of cocoons each month. Compared to their previous farming, the income from mulberry cultivation is higher, and their living standards are steadily improving.
Starting with pioneering households like Mrs. Duyen's family, the mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing movement has gradually spread. To date, the entire Bang Thanh commune has 17 participating households, cultivating nearly 5 hectares of mulberry trees. With a stable market, mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing is becoming a significant source of income, helping many households gradually develop their economy and escape poverty sustainably.
Based on the need for collaboration in production and consumption, the households established the Boc Bo Mulberry and Silkworm Cooperative with 17 members. The formation of the cooperative helps households be more proactive in terms of silkworm breeds and care techniques, while also ensuring a stable market for silkworm cocoons.
To date, the cooperative has invested in building a centralized silkworm rearing area of 300 square meters. Instead of raising silkworms on bamboo trays using the traditional method, the cooperative applies a model of rearing on stainless steel floors with small ventilation holes, and collecting cocoons using multi-compartment wooden boxes. This method saves space, reduces labor, limits disease outbreaks, and improves the survival rate of silkworms and the quality of cocoons.
Mr. Dong Tien Huy, Head of the Economic Department of Bang Thanh Commune, said: "The locality has suitable soil and a cool climate, so mulberry trees grow very well, with green, thick leaves of good quality. As a result, silkworms are less susceptible to disease, and the cocoons are of high quality, highly appreciated by purchasing units."
In Bang Thanh, the reality shows that this model does not require complex techniques, utilizes idle agricultural labor, and is very suitable for the production conditions of the people. With the current stable price of cocoons, mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming is opening up a new economic development direction for the people. "The local government will review areas of land with low-yield crops to encourage people to switch to mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming, gradually expanding the model to neighboring villages and hamlets, aiming for sustainable production development," added Mr. Dong Tien Huy.
Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202512/nuoi-tam-huong-giam-ngheocho-nong-dan-bang-thanh-28b10cd/
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