Economic model based on medicinal plants by women in A Lưới 1 commune.

Diverse models

Even past lunchtime, Ms. Tran Thi Bong, from Hamlet 4, Long Quang Commune, was still busy feeding her pigs. On the dry, airy floor of the pigsty, her herd of over 150 pigs was cared for according to the technical procedures she learned from training courses. She meticulously recorded every vaccination and every batch of feed. “This is the first batch of pigs I’ve restocked to be ready for the upcoming Tet holiday. I follow the entire breeding process to ensure the health of the pigs,” Ms. Bong said. She added that previously, her family only raised a few pigs on a small scale, with unstable income. However, since receiving guidance from the commune’s agricultural extension officers on building proper pigpens and applying safe breeding techniques, the pig herd has developed steadily and become the main source of income for the whole family.

According to Mr. Vo Phuoc Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Long Quang Commune People's Committee, in the commune's effective economic development emulation movement, there are many models led by women. These women are diligent, hardworking, and eager to grasp and apply scientific and technological advancements in production and economic development, contributing to creating new vitality for the highland economy.

Not only women in Long Quang, but many women in other communes of A Luoi district have also proactively strived to improve their work in production and develop their family economies. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong, residing in Ca Cu 2 village, A Luoi 1 commune, is a prime example. Ms. Phuong recalls that in 2016, she and her husband boldly borrowed 50 million VND from the Social Policy Bank to plant economic forests. From the income of the first forest harvest, they were able to accumulate capital and continue investing in raising cattle, pigs, fish, and poultry in combination with forest planting. Thanks to their systematic approach and diligent learning, their family income reached approximately 200-250 million VND per year.

Having gained practical experience, Ms. Phuong did not keep it to herself but actively shared her farming and livestock techniques with female members in the village, contributing to spreading the spirit of self-reliance and building a sustainable community.

In the communes of A Lưới district, the entrepreneurial stories of highland women are closely linked to preserving traditional culture. In Tru-Chaih village, A Lưới 4 commune, a women-run zèng weaving cooperative has been established with the goal of both preserving the craft and generating income. Each zèng fabric sold not only provides additional income for cooperative members but also serves as an opportunity to promote the cultural identity of the Ta Oi ethnic group.

Accompanying and supporting

The achievements of women in the highlands over the past period stem not only from their hard work and perseverance, but also from the unwavering support of various departments and local authorities. In communes such as Long Quang, A Luoi 1, and A Luoi 4, the commune authorities regularly maintain training courses on livestock farming techniques, disease prevention, afforestation, and sustainable cultivation, providing preferential loans and market connections. Thanks to access to accurate and timely information, many women have become more confident in organizing production and boldly expanding their economic models.

Mr. Vo Phuoc Hoa said that in Long Quang, agricultural extension officers regularly visit villages and farms to guide the people. The women are diligent, and once they grasp the techniques, they work very effectively. Many successful models, such as organic cinnamon cultivation or pig and cattle farming, originated from women who boldly participated in training and followed technical procedures to apply them effectively.

In the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Regions for the period 2021-2025, mountainous localities actively reviewed and selected households, prioritizing those with women who demonstrated a strong will to succeed, to support the development of exemplary models. Timely recognition and rewards have created motivation and spread the spirit of entrepreneurship within the community.

Mr. Le Xuan Hai, Deputy Director of the Department of Internal Affairs, commented: Women in mountainous areas are becoming increasingly proactive in production and creating livelihoods. By boldly adopting new techniques, taking advantage of support policies, and securing stable income sources, the lives of many families have improved significantly. This is also an important factor in helping localities achieve sustainable poverty reduction goals, preserve cultural identity, and narrow the gender gap. The Department will continue to direct communes to strengthen technical support, loan access, and skills training, while replicating suitable models to give women in mountainous areas more opportunities to start businesses and develop sustainable economies.

Text and photos: HAI THUAN

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/suc-song-moi-cua-phu-nu-vung-cao-160984.html