Sung Po leverages its internal resources to reduce poverty.

On the rocky slopes of the border region, the people of Sung Po village, Thang Mo commune, are gradually building a stable life through their own labor. From preserving traditional weaving to developing livestock farming and improving neglected gardens, the villagers have proactively exploited their existing advantages, gradually rising out of poverty.

Báo Tuyên Quang•20/05/2026

Sung Po village in Thang Mo commune is gradually changing thanks to leveraging its internal resources to develop the economy and achieve sustainable poverty reduction.

Sung Po village in Thang Mo commune is gradually changing thanks to leveraging its internal resources to develop the economy and achieve sustainable poverty reduction.

Weaving: A livelihood from traditional crafts

Sung Po is a border village where 100% of the inhabitants are ethnic Mong people. Amidst the traditional houses with earthen walls, the sounds of splitting bamboo and weaving fill the air during the agricultural off-season. Of the 45 households in the village, more than 10 participate in the traditional weaving craft. With their skillful hands and nearly 20 hectares of bamboo as a source of raw materials, these households create a variety of products such as carrying baskets, trays, and containers, combined with rattan, resulting in durable and aesthetically pleasing items.

The craft of weaving in Sung Po has existed for a long time, and what's special is that the woven products of the Hmong people here are made by men. Giang Mi Vu, born in 1997, has been practicing this craft for many years. From a situation of unemployment, he learned weaving, persevered, and rose out of poverty in 2023. According to him, on average, one worker can complete one woven product per day, earning an average income of about 3-4 million VND per person per month. These simple bamboo products have created a stable income, especially meaningful for a remote village still facing many difficulties.

Alongside the younger generation, artisans like Mr. Giàng Nhè Páo, over 60 years old, continue to diligently keep the craft alive, passing on techniques to the next generation. This continuity is helping to preserve the weaving craft in Sủng Pờ and create a sustainable livelihood, contributing to gradually reducing the poverty rate in this border region. Currently, the main market for the village's products is the commune's weekly markets, and the village also collaborates with tourist attractions and souvenir shops to sell its products. The local authorities also regularly organize training classes, encourage villagers to plant bamboo forests in the headwaters, create woven products, and preserve the ethnic cultural identity.

The traditional weaving craft creates jobs and preserves the cultural identity of the Hmong ethnic group in Sung Po village.

The traditional weaving craft creates jobs and preserves the cultural identity of the Hmong ethnic group in Sung Po village.

Diversify production, increase income.

Sung Po village has 248 inhabitants. Although the poverty rate is still over 50%, the village's economy has seen many positive changes in recent years. On average, the village's poverty rate decreases by about 5% each year, with 3 poor households already removed from the poverty list in 2025 alone.

In the agricultural sector, people maintain nearly 80 hectares of cultivated land, ensuring sufficient area for growing food crops and vegetables. Besides corn, soybeans, and vegetables, many households have begun developing fruit trees and medicinal plants, gradually increasing the value per unit area. Livestock farming continues to be maintained with a total herd of over 130 head of cattle and more than 1,400 poultry; among them, 17 poor and near-poor households have received support in the form of breeding cows, creating additional long-term livelihoods.

In livestock farming, many households maintain a stable scale, aiming for commercial production. A prime example is the family of Mr. Giàng Nhè Vư, who has developed a herd of 13 buffaloes and cows, generating a considerable income. To ensure a steady supply of feed for their livestock, the family converted a portion of their land to growing fodder grass, reducing costs while guaranteeing a consistent food source. Furthermore, he prioritizes hygiene in the barns and ensures all necessary vaccinations, especially against foot-and-mouth disease, are administered to the animals. Thanks to proper care and techniques, the livestock herd has developed steadily, becoming an important source of income and contributing to the family's sustainable economic development.

Comrade Sung Mi Phu, Secretary of the Sung Po village Party branch, said: “The Party branch has determined that to achieve sustainable poverty reduction, we must leverage the people's internal resources. Therefore, we have focused on leading, propagating, and mobilizing the people to change their production mindset, not relying on or expecting support from the State. The Party branch assigns Party members to be in charge of each group of households, directly guiding and encouraging people to develop their economy. Effective models are replicated for the people to learn from.”

Handcrafted woven products made from bamboo and rattan possess a rustic beauty characteristic of the highlands.

Handcrafted woven products made from bamboo and rattan possess a rustic beauty characteristic of the highlands.

Under the guidance of the Party branch, many households have boldly changed their mindset and methods in economic development. Along with livestock farming, people have actively implemented the renovation of unproductive gardens and the restructuring of crop cultivation towards higher value. Many areas of low-yield corn have been replaced with suitable crops, notably the conversion of 5 hectares to blood plum cultivation, which has been underway for 3 years and is preparing for harvest. In addition, households have proactively renovated their gardens and grown green vegetables for daily use, gradually reducing costs and improving their quality of life. Preferential credit policies have been effectively implemented in the village, with 19 households borrowing capital for economic development, totaling over 600 million VND. Essential infrastructure has been gradually improved, with 100% of households having access to the national power grid, and transportation is basically convenient for travel and trade.

In this borderland still facing many difficulties, Sung Po village is gradually changing thanks to the diligence and self-reliance of its people. With the support of the Party branch, the positive changes in poverty reduction have instilled confidence in the people to continue preserving their cultural identity and building a stable life in this border region.

Text and photos: Ly Thu

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/kinh-te/202605/sung-po-phat-huy-noi-luc-giam-ngheo-dc15414/