Tam Nong: 14-year journey from "lowland" to livable countryside

Updated date: 04/17/2025 08:14:16

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DTO - More than a decade ago, Tam Nong used to be one of the most disadvantaged districts in Dong Thap province. With poor infrastructure, small-scale production, and low per capita income, Tam Nong was considered a "lowland" in terms of both economy and development opportunities. However, with the determination of the entire political system and the consensus of the people, Tam Nong district had a spectacular breakthrough to become a land full of potential - a livable countryside.

Breakthrough thinking - Unanimous action

As soon as the National Target Program on New Rural Development (NTM) was initiated, Tam Nong determined that this was not only an "upgrade" of rural infrastructure but also a revolution in thinking. With great enthusiasm, the district has taken drastic action from the very first tasks such as: building roads, bringing electricity, building new schools, medical stations, cultural houses, community learning centers... Up to now, the whole district has 11/11 communes meeting NTM standards, of which 4 communes have met advanced standards and Tram Chim town has met civilized urban standards.

Mr. Tran Thanh Nam - Chairman of Tam Nong District People's Committee, affirmed: "We clearly identify that building a new rural area is not a movement but a sustainable and comprehensive development strategy. From that mindset, Tam Nong has mobilized the combined strength of the entire political system and the people to create substantial, solid and profound changes."

Agricultural tourism - one of the strengths that farmers in Tam Nong district have exploited well, contributing to increasing income.

Although the locality faced many difficulties at first, with perseverance and responsibility, the grassroots cadres "knocked on every door" and convinced each resident. From there, trust was aroused, and the people became the main subjects in the journey of building the new rural area.

Along with infrastructure development, which is a turning point in agricultural production, Tam Nong boldly abandoned the traditional, small-scale production mindset, shifting to developing large-scale fields, promoting mechanization and applying high technology. Models such as: "Circular, modern and low-emission agriculture", "Ecological rice associated with red-crowned crane conservation" not only increase productivity but also protect the sustainable ecological environment.

Mr. Le Van Hung - Director of Phu Xuan Cooperative (Phu Duc Commune, Tam Nong District), expressed: “We are very proud of the positive changes in our homeland. The development of transport infrastructure has created great convenience for the production and circulation of agricultural products. In particular, I appreciate the locality's encouragement of advanced rice production models, especially the model of "Ecological rice production combined with red-crowned crane conservation". I realize that this model not only aims at sustainable agriculture but also creates opportunities for farmers to participate in environmental protection and conservation of rare birds".

At the same time, Tam Nong district is one of the pioneering localities implementing the Project "Sustainable development of one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice" of Dong Thap province, gradually forming concentrated raw material areas, attracting businesses to invest in linking production and product consumption.

Rural economy transforms - Community tourism takes off

Not stopping at agricultural production, Tam Nong also focuses on comprehensive rural economic development, especially through the "One Commune One Product" (OCOP) Program, local specialty products such as rice, dried snakehead fish, lotus products, honey... are branded, have growing area codes, are put on e-commerce platforms and reach a large market.

Rural entrepreneurship is also a bright spot in the development picture of Tam Nong. From the model of producing lotus products, traditional dried fish production to handicraft products... it has been creating more jobs and increasing income for local workers. At the same time, the district promotes vocational training, develops high-quality human resources, and expands new directions such as sending workers to work abroad for a limited period under contracts.

A special highlight in the district's development strategy is to promote community tourism. The district strengthens the connection between Tram Chim Tourist Area, Tram Chim National Park with the buffer zone community, creating attractive eco-tourism products such as: visiting the red-crowned crane habitat, experiencing rural craft villages, experiencing farming at agricultural cooperatives...

These models not only generate income but also contribute to preserving indigenous culture and raising awareness of environmental protection in the community. This is a major shift from “pure agriculture” to “diversified economy, associated with sustainable ecotourism”.

The results from comprehensive and persistent efforts over the past 14 years are extremely impressive. In 2024, the average income per capita of the whole district reached 66.9 million VND/person/year, many times higher than in 2010. Many communes such as Phu Cuong, An Hoa, Phu Tho, Phu Duc... rose to the top in economic development. The poverty rate decreased sharply, and the material and spiritual life of the people was increasingly improved.

Tam Nong today has truly “changed its skin”, from a poor land to a livable countryside, rich in potential and full of aspirations. The 14-year journey is a living proof of “Tam Nong - Land of Miracles”. And that journey, with faith, intelligence and consensus, is certainly continuing to write new, more brilliant chapters.

My Ly

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/kinh-te/tam-nong-hanh-trinh-14-nam-di-tu-vung-trung-den-vung-que-dang-song-130758.aspx