Livelihood from cows, future from clean agriculture

(GLO)- From the first breeding cows supported for poor households to organic production models spreading throughout villages, Ia Phi commune (Gia Lai province) is firmly on the journey of "green poverty reduction", linking economic development with environmental protection.

Cattle breeding - the first step towards sustainable livelihoods.

Implementing the National Target Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction, Ia Phi commune has recently deployed many practical support models to help people stabilize their lives and develop their economy . Among these, the program providing 182 breeding cows and fertilizer to 40 households is considered a highlight, yielding clear and effective results.

Starting with the first breeding cows, the villagers proactively built barns, learned techniques for caring for the animals, preventing diseases, and expanding their herds. As a result, many households have gained a stable source of income and are gradually rising out of poverty.

In parallel, providing fertilizer support helps improve crop yields, make better use of agricultural land, and enhance agricultural labor efficiency.

Thanks to proper care, the cow belonging to Ms. Rơ Chăm Quai (Kênh village, Ia Phí commune) is developing healthily and preparing to give birth to its first calf. Photo: NS

The family of Ms. Rơ Chăm Quai (Kênh village, Ia Phí commune) is one of the exemplary households. At the end of 2024, she received support in the form of a breeding cow. Thanks to proper care, the cow is developing healthily and is preparing to give birth to its first calf.

"I've taken good care of it, and it's getting bigger and fatter every day. I use the cow manure to fertilize my coffee garden, and the plants are growing well, saving me money on fertilizer," Ms. Quai said excitedly.

In addition to supporting individual households, a cattle breeding group was established in the two villages of Yang 3 and Or, with 21 participating households, mostly poor and near-poor. The project provided 19 breeding cows, combined with training courses on livestock farming techniques, disease prevention, and proper barn construction.

Mr. Rơ Chăm Yung, representing the community group, shared: “Initially, the villagers were hesitant, but after receiving thorough guidance, everyone felt reassured. The group's herd of cattle is expected to triple, from 19 to 57 head. This model not only helps the villagers have a stable income but also strengthens solidarity and mutual support in economic development.”

According to Mr. Thai Van Chung, Head of the Economic Department of Ia Phi Commune, the program of providing breeding cows has had a positive effect. With the cows provided, many households have successfully bred them, gaining additional assets and motivation to improve their lives. In the future, the commune hopes to continue receiving support to expand the model and help people escape poverty sustainably.

From those first breeding cows, the people of Ia Phi learned how to farm in a more planned, technical, and sustainable way—an important first step on the journey towards developing green agriculture in the locality.

From green livelihoods to organic farming

Following the success of the livelihood support program, Ia Phi commune continues to encourage people to switch to organic farming, aiming for long-term, environmentally friendly development and meeting the increasingly high demands of the export market.

Mr. Huynh Thanh Ngoc (far right) - CEO of the "Farmer Soldier" project - guides people in Ia Phi commune on organic coffee cultivation procedures. Photo: NS

At the end of September 2025, the People's Committee of the commune organized a conference to disseminate information and guide people on organic agricultural production, helping them understand the process of natural farming, soil improvement, and the use of bio-fertilizers and biological products instead of chemicals.

Previously, many households were concerned about reduced productivity, but after receiving guidance, they changed their perceptions and began experimenting with the new model.

Mr. Hoang Viet Thang (Ia Sik village, Ia Phi commune) shared: “Now I understand how to practice organic farming more systematically, I know how to use compost, and prevent diseases using biological methods. Organic farming both protects health and helps the soil thrive in the long term.”

According to Mr. Phan Huu Duong, owner of Xuan Duong coffee farm, the trend of organic production is increasingly favored by the market. "Consumers now demand clean products, free from chemical residues. Organic farming not only helps plants stay healthy but also increases their value, opening up export opportunities," Mr. Duong said.

Organic coffee plantations are always lush and produce consistently high-quality fruit. Photo: NS

In the commune, the Ia Phi Organic Agricultural Cooperative, headed by Mr. Bui Van Duong, is a pioneering force in developing green agriculture. Cooperative members are committed to reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, switching to manure, bio-fertilizers, and biological products. "The cooperative's goal is to help farmers change their production methods, improve the quality of agricultural products, and protect the living environment," Mr. Duong shared.

According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ia Phi commune, coffee is the main crop of the commune with an area of ​​over 2,800 hectares. In the context of increasingly stringent safety standards for exports, the shift to organic production is an inevitable trend.

"We will continue to provide technical guidance and support with biological products to help people cultivate safely, meet market demands, and enhance the value of the raw material area," Mr. Son affirmed.

From cattle breeding to stabilize livelihoods to the gradually developing organic coffee plantations, Ia Phi commune is on the right track in its goal of "green poverty reduction," combining economic development and environmental protection. These small but practical models are contributing to changing the face of the rural area, helping people confidently take control of their lives and move towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/sinh-ke-tu-dan-bo-tuong-lai-tu-nong-nghiep-sach-post569766.html