Sustainable agricultural development – ​​the key to poverty reduction in Muong Cha commune

Identifying sustainable agriculture as the "key" to poverty reduction, Muong Cha commune (Dien Bien) is promoting production restructuring, increasing the value of agricultural products and creating sustainable livelihoods for people.

In the context of many difficulties specific to the communes in remote, isolated and border areas, the development of agriculture in a sustainable direction has been identified by the Party Committee of Muong Cha commune as a key and continuous task. This task is specified in the Resolution on sustainable agricultural development, clearly stating the requirement to reorganize production, exploit the maximum potential of each region and each field, at the same time promoting the application of science and technology, strengthening market linkages in the spirit of "agriculture is the pillar, farmers are the subject".

Secretary of the Party Committee of Vang A Chinh commune said: “We identify sustainable agricultural development as the way to improve people’s lives and income. Programs and models will be implemented synchronously, linking the responsibility of Party committees and authorities with the participation of the whole community.”

Farmers of the commune have converted traditional crop structure to crops of high economic value.

Photo: Duy Linh

Thanks to the right orientation, Muong Cha agriculture has had positive growth. By the end of the year, the whole commune had 646 poor households, a decrease of 69 households compared to the beginning of the year; the poverty rate decreased to 22.81% (down 2.49%). The number of near-poor households was 187 households, equivalent to 6.6%, a slight increase of 0.2%. This is a remarkable result in production conditions that are still fluctuating due to weather and market.

The commune also focuses on developing commodity-oriented production areas, suitable for ecological conditions: expanding cinnamon growing areas in Nam Hai and Huoi Cha; developing medicinal plants under forest canopy in Na Su, Pa Co, and Nam Hai; building organic beekeeping models associated with community tourism ; expanding fruit growing areas in areas with suitable soil conditions.

The organic beekeeping model associated with community tourism is bringing high income to the people.

Photo: Duy Linh

Chairman of the Commune People's Committee Nguyen Huu Dai said: "The key to sustainable poverty reduction lies in increasing the value of each land area and each production model. The commune is accompanying the people in applying technical advances, expanding consumption links and building more OCOP products to increase income."

Along with cultivation, the livestock sector continues to be focused on developing in a safe and sustainable direction. Livestock grazing areas in Nam Dich, La Cha, Nam Tin are planned stably; pond fish farming models in Na Cang, Na In, Pa Tan contribute to increasing people's income. The whole commune currently has more than 22,000 livestock and nearly 100,000 poultry, which are important resources for household economic development.

In addition, Cha Cang aims to develop community tourism associated with OCOP products, indigenous culture and natural landscapes. Models such as experiential tourism in Na Su or Cha Nua honey products, Nam Tin oranges, etc. are opening up new directions in economic restructuring.

Na Su community tourism village annually attracts a large number of tourists to visit and experience.

Photo: Duy Linh

Affirming the locality's determination, Party Secretary Vang A Chinh emphasized: "The locality will regularly evaluate and review the implementation of the Resolution; effective models will continue to be replicated, and difficulties will be promptly resolved. The goal of increasing per capita income by 50% compared to 2025 by 2030 and reducing the poverty rate to 10% according to the Resolution of the Commune Party Congress is completely feasible if we persist in the direction of sustainable agriculture."

The villages in the Muong Cha border highlands are changing day by day.

Photo: Duy Linh

With the close leadership of the Party Committee, the drastic management of the government and the joint efforts of the people, Muong Cha is gradually realizing the expectation of an effective and sustainable agriculture; creating a solid foundation for long-term poverty reduction and improving the lives of ethnic minorities in the area.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/phat-trien-nong-nghiep-ben-vung-chia-khoa-giam-ngheo-o-xa-muong-cha-218147.html