Dien Bien is a mountainous border province facing many difficulties. For generations, the lives of many ethnic minority people have been closely tied to slash-and-burn agriculture and self-sufficient production methods. On the steep mountain slopes, people are still accustomed to small-scale farming, heavily dependent on rain, sunshine, and natural conditions. Therefore, crop yields are not high, incomes are unstable, and the lives of many households are precarious. These difficulties not only affect economic development but also create an urgent need to maintain political stability and ensure national defense and security in the border region.

In response to the demands of development in the new era, Dien Bien province has proactively implemented a project to restructure its agricultural sector towards increased value and sustainable development. Among these, the "Dien Bien Phu in Peacetime: Restructuring the Agricultural Sector, Experimenting with Low-Level Economic Models" campaign (referred to as the campaign) is a key socio-economic development project and initiative of Dien Bien province. The highlight of the project is the development of low-level economic models linked to long-term industrial crops such as macadamia nuts and coffee. These crops are suitable for sloping terrain, easy to cultivate, have good disease resistance, and possess high economic value. The development of this model helps people increase their income and gradually change the fragmented and outdated production mindset that has existed for many years in the high-altitude border region.

Officers and soldiers of the 355th Division participated in the campaign, assisting the people. Photo: QUANG QUY

Recognizing that sustainable change must begin with the people's awareness, the unit places special emphasis on mass mobilization work, effectively implementing the "four together" principle (eating together, living together, working together, and speaking the local language) with the people. Responding to the local government's initiative, the 355th Division deployed hundreds of officers and soldiers from the 82nd Regiment to remote and disadvantaged communes to support and assist the people.

Under the close leadership and guidance of the Party Committee and the command of the 355th Division, the campaign was implemented systematically, scientifically , and closely followed the practical realities of each mountainous area. From remote villages deep in the mountains, the soldiers, undeterred by treacherous roads, persistently went down to the grassroots, developing specific plans in the spirit of clearly defining responsibilities and tasks.

With high determination and a strong will to overcome difficulties, the officers and soldiers, after more than a month of continuous implementation (from April 3rd to May 10th), the campaign has yielded many practical results in the particularly difficult communes of Dien Bien province such as: Muong Ang, Bung Lao, Muong Lan, Pu Nhung, Muong Tung, Pa Ham, Tua Chua, Sinh Phinh, Sang Nha, Sin Chai and Tua Thang.

On the steep mountain slopes, amidst the scorching sun and sudden rains of the Northwest region, officers and soldiers of Regiment 82 persistently stayed in their assigned areas, directly assisting 468 policy beneficiary and poor households in land reclamation and clearance, covering a total area of ​​over 1.8 million square meters.

Soldiers of the 355th Division and local people dig holes to plant macadamia trees. Photo: QUANG QUY

Along with supporting economic development, Regiment 82 also closely coordinated with local agricultural extension officers and the local people to dig nearly 5,000 holes for planting macadamia trees and over 620,000 holes for planting coffee. At the same time, regular legal awareness campaigns and efforts to encourage the people to maintain border security and order, protect the environment, and build a new cultural life were also organized in the villages. Throughout the campaign, 100% of the officers and soldiers of Division 355 strictly adhered to State laws, military discipline, and civilian affairs regulations.

Through the achievements of the campaign in the Northwest region, many valuable lessons have been clearly affirmed regarding the integration of economic and social development with the strengthening of national defense and security. In border areas with many difficulties, rugged terrain, and impoverished living conditions, the Army not only performs the task of protecting the Fatherland but also directly accompanies the people in developing the economy and stabilizing their lives.

From the practical experience of the campaign, it can be seen that the model of military-civilian cooperation in economic development in special regions is a correct and effective approach. In a situation where many businesses still face difficulties accessing remote and isolated areas, the officers and soldiers of Division 355 have become a pioneering force, paving the way, supporting people in land improvement, providing guidance on production techniques, and changing farming methods.

The commander of the 355th Division and local leaders visited, encouraged, and presented gifts to the forces carrying out the operation. Photo: QUANG QUY

The campaign also demonstrated that to build a solid national defense posture, it is essential to first ensure the well-being of the people. When people have stable incomes and confidence in the future, they will become even more attached to their homeland, actively contributing to maintaining security and order, protecting forests and border markers. At the same time, the process of living, eating, and working alongside the people has helped the officers and soldiers of the 355th Division hone their skills, improve their civilian outreach capabilities, and further cultivate the noble qualities of the Ho Chi Minh's Army in the new era.

The "Dien Bien Phu in Peacetime: Restructuring the Agricultural Sector, Experimenting with Low-Level Economic Models" campaign, in which the 355th Division participated, has made a significant mark on the economic development of the mountainous region of Dien Bien province. From barren land, many new production models have gradually emerged, offering hope for stable livelihoods for people in the border region. The results of the campaign further affirm the effectiveness of the policy of combining national defense with socio-economic development, contributing to strengthening the all-people national defense posture, maintaining political stability and social order in the strategic Northwest region.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/kinh-te/cac-van-de/su-doan-355-giup-dan-xay-dung-sinh-ke-o-vung-bien-1041663