The impetus of the new rural development

The achievements of the New Rural Development program are becoming a powerful driving force, creating momentum for the comprehensive development of rural Ca Mau. Improved infrastructure, diversified economic development, enhanced cultural life, and the support of digital technology have contributed to creating a foundation for sustainable development in rural areas.

• Nguyen Phich builds advanced new rural areas.
• Working together to build Bien Bach commune to meet the standards of an advanced new rural area.
• Women in Dinh Thanh contribute to building a model new rural commune.

A brighter appearance, an improved quality of life.

When the National Target Program for New Rural Development was launched, most localities in the province had a low starting point, with many criteria almost non-existent. With the determination of the entire political system from the provincial to the grassroots level, the consensus and positive response of all sectors of the population, and strong support from the central government and philanthropists inside and outside the province, many rural areas have gradually transformed and modernized.

Residents take care of the green hedges in front of their houses, creating a green, clean, and beautiful environment.

One of the most noteworthy and proud achievements is the investment and upgrading of rural infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools, and health stations. This has created favorable conditions for trade, production, and daily life, gradually narrowing the gap between rural and urban areas, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and improving the living standards and income of people in rural areas.

Mr. Kim Van Dan, Head of Tan Dien B Hamlet, Thanh Tung Commune, shared: “Previously, roads were cut off, making travel very difficult; growing vegetables or raising fish was hard to sell and earn extra income; children had to travel by boat or rent accommodation in the district to go to school... Thanks to the New Rural Development program, now the roads are well-maintained, people can travel conveniently, electricity has reached the hamlets; children can study in modern schools; and people's lives have clearly changed.”

Alongside infrastructure development, the rural economy has also undergone a strong transformation. OCOP products and distinctive agricultural products of the province such as crabs, shrimp, salted mud crabs, and pinkish-brown salt are constantly being improved and are available on e-commerce platforms, as well as being exported to many demanding markets, bringing significant income to farmers.

From the New Rural Development movement, many high-tech, IoT, and digital transformation agricultural models have been implemented, forming a clean and efficient agricultural production system. Particularly, high-tech shrimp farming and high-quality rice cultivation linked to large-scale fields, certified to export standards, have paved the way for shrimp and rice to thrive and conquer major markets.

Mr. Do Thanh Dung from Nguyen Phich Commune happily stated: “The New Rural Development program not only transforms the appearance of rural areas but also changes mindsets and practices, fostering creativity in labor and production among rural people. With stable living conditions, people become more actively involved and contribute more to local movements.”

The shrimp-rice rotation model has helped people in the transitional zone of Ninh Thanh Loi commune increase their income.

Leveraging the advantages of natural landscapes and mangrove forests, community-based ecotourism is receiving investment, creating new livelihoods for local people, attracting tourists from near and far, and contributing to promoting the image of Ca Mau's land and people on the Vietnamese tourism map.

Harnessing the power of the people.

Over the past 15 years of implementing the National Target Program for New Rural Development, Ca Mau province has 43 out of 55 communes meeting the new rural development standards (accounting for 78.1%); 3 out of 39 communes meeting the advanced new rural development standards (accounting for 7.7%); and 1 commune meeting the model new rural development standards. During the 2021-2025 period, the province mobilized nearly 48,529 billion VND for the program; specifically for 2025, 689.3 billion VND will be allocated, of which 600.2 billion VND will be for development investment.

Rural transportation infrastructure is receiving increasing investment, becoming more integrated and modern.

According to the assessment of the Provincial Office for Coordinating New Rural Development, the program has leveraged the combined strength of the entire political system and all the people, improving people's lives and replicating many effective production models.

Recognizing that mass mobilization is a crucial link in harnessing public support, localities consistently create conditions for people to actively participate, monitor, and contribute their efforts and finances. With the motto "The people know, the people discuss, the people do, the people inspect, and the people benefit," the people are identified as the central and primary actors in the process of building new rural areas.

The comprehensively invested irrigation system helps farmers produce crops conveniently and efficiently.

In particular, young farmers are given opportunities to demonstrate their pioneering spirit, daring to think and act, leading the way in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology application, and digital connectivity for rural areas. Many young people are willing to give up attractive jobs in big cities to return to their hometowns to start businesses and create products with high economic value.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Van Su emphasized: "Localities need to continue promoting and spreading the movement to build new rural areas and civilized urban wards, so that people understand that the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life. In particular, in the coming time, it is necessary to exploit potential and strengths to further develop, mainly by exploiting land resources and economic potential; paying attention to investing in rural infrastructure, maintaining and improving criteria so that rural Ca Mau becomes increasingly prosperous."

Mr. Nguyen Du Em, a farmer growing specialty mangoes in Phuoc Long commune, shared: "With youthful energy and a keen ability to grasp scientific and technical advancements and access new markets, young people can absolutely succeed right in their own gardens and fields in their hometowns without having to leave."

The achievements of building new rural areas are not limited to meeting specific criteria, but represent a comprehensive transformation, making rural areas increasingly prosperous, civilized, and modern, with the active participation of all segments of the population, creating a strong impetus for sustainable development.

Nguyen Linh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/suc-bat-nong-thon-moi-a125104.html