Creating momentum for An Thai to break through.

An Thai commune in Phu Giao district not only maintains its status as a model new rural commune but also aspires to break through and expand its rural economic model based on digital infrastructure, high-tech agricultural production, and the active participation of the people.

Leveraging digital transformation

In recent years, An Thai commune has chosen rural digital transformation as its spearhead for development. Phu Thinh 1 hamlet has been selected as a model "smart hamlet," with 100% of households covered by fiber optic internet, 88.4% of residents using smartphones, and over 52.5% using cashless payments. Furthermore, 92.03% of households have contributed to creating a "bright, green, clean, and beautiful" environment. Water supply infrastructure has also been comprehensively invested in, with 100% of households using clean water, and over 67% having access to standard water from the centralized system.

Mr. Bui Van Thinh, Head of the Phu Thinh 1 Hamlet Management Board, said that the hamlet currently has about 200 households, with basic infrastructure that is increasingly being improved. The hamlet's digital technology team, in coordination with the Youth Union, regularly assists residents in using smartphones and cashless payments. All roads in the hamlet have been equipped with surveillance cameras, most have been paved with concrete, with only one road still having red gravel.

The achievements made in the past are creating momentum for An Thai commune to break through and develop in the new era. In the photo: Unifarm's banana production model in An Thai commune.

According to the leaders of An Thai commune, just a few years ago, the locality still faced difficulties in connecting to information and applying digital technology in rural life. Now, from fiber optic internet to 3G/4G coverage, it has reached all six hamlets. Along with the implementation of digitalization training programs, people in the commune are beginning to adapt to the pace of development of modern society.

The An Thai commune will soon merge with the Phuoc Sang and Tan Hiep communes to form a single commune named Phuoc Thanh. Local residents hope that after the merger, all administrative boundaries and "local" distances will be removed, and socio-economic relationships will be harmonized, creating favorable conditions for people to stabilize their lives, develop the economy, and work together to build an increasingly modernized agricultural region.

Mr. Bui Van Bao, Chairman of the People's Committee of An Thai commune, said: "We focus on supporting people in accessing preferential loans, switching to new crop varieties and farming techniques, and connecting local laborers with jobs through businesses inside and outside the province. The goal is for every household to have the opportunity to increase their income sustainably."

These efforts have laid a solid foundation for An Thai not only to maintain the criteria for an advanced new rural commune but also to achieve 100% of the criteria for a model new rural commune in terms of culture, environment, and digitalization. This is the basis for the locality to expect a breakthrough after the merger, aiming towards a smart model new rural commune associated with sustainable development.

Expectations for breakthroughs in the new era.

Agricultural production in An Thai commune is shifting strongly towards modern, high-tech models, with many exemplary examples. Among them, U&I Agricultural Joint Stock Company (Unifarm) has become a shining example in the transformation of sustainable agricultural production. A representative from Unifarm stated: “We apply Israeli technology, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and an automated drip irrigation system to control nutrition, humidity, and light. Attaching QR codes to agricultural products helps ensure transparent traceability, enhancing product value and market trust. Currently, all of the company's citrus products such as oranges, tangerines, bananas, and green pomelos are GlobalGAP certified. Notably, one product has achieved a 4-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) rating at the provincial level.”

Along with businesses, many farmers in An Thai are also actively applying technology in production. Mr. Nguyen Van Cu, owner of a durian farm in Phu Thinh 1 hamlet, said that his family is currently cultivating 3 hectares of durian and has just submitted an application to have their durian product recognized as meeting OCOP standards. His family also provides durian orchard care services for households in need and is always ready to share technical experience with the people.

Mr. Bui Van Thinh shared that, based on feedback from residents regarding their expectations after the merger of the communes, the majority wish for continued investment and upgrading of rural transportation infrastructure to be more modern and comprehensive. Residents also proposed expanding and improving the grid-like road network, connecting hamlets for easier travel. In addition, waste collection needs to be carried out by relevant units on time and according to schedule to ensure environmental hygiene.

According to Mr. Bui Van Bao, An Thai commune's model of a new rural area is not just about achieving infrastructure standards or increasing income, but also focuses on transforming people's production mindset, lifestyle, and access to technology. This is the foundation for a modern, civilized rural area, in line with the spirit of the model new rural area program. The commune has just been recognized as a model new rural area associated with the smart village model. The reorganization of administrative units is not just about geographical boundaries but also opens up opportunities for restructuring the economic development space. After the merger, An Thai commune will base its economic development orientation on the economic development targets of the new Ho Chi Minh City.

ACCORDING TO THE PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE OF AN THAI COMMUNE, THE AVERAGE PER PERSONAL INCOME OF THE COMMUNE INCREASED FROM 71 MILLION VND/PERSON IN 2021 TO 92.787 MILLION VND AT THE END OF 2024, EXCEEDING THE STANDARDS FOR A MODEL NEW RURAL COMMUNE.

TIEN HANH

Source: https://baobinhduong.vn/tao-suc-bat-de-an-thai-but-pha-a349257.html