From the trenches to the fields

Self-reliance

Not afraid of difficulties, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son - a veteran of Tan Thanh hamlet, Tan Hoi commune, converted ineffective rice fields into ponds for raising snakehead fish. Since 2020, he has invested in ^2,000m2 of ponds, releasing about 100kg of fish fry (400 - 500 fish/kg) each year. After 7 months of care, the fish weighed 1 - 1.5kg/fish, with prices ranging from 30,000 - 43,000 VND/kg. After deducting expenses, he earned a profit of 150 - 170 million VND/batch, creating a stable income for his family.

“Previously, I used to feed trash fish, which was very hard. Now I have switched to using industrial feed. The fish grow quickly, have fewer diseases, and are much more efficient,” said Mr. Son. Thanks to his diligence, mastery of techniques, and willingness to learn and review, he has helped many members change their way of thinking and boldly convert production to suit the soil conditions.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son feeds fish in a pond in his garden. Photo: BICH THUY

At the age of 68, Mr. Quach Van Tao - a 3/4-class disabled veteran, residing in Cay Queo hamlet, Giong Rieng commune, still works and produces to set an example for his children and grandchildren. In 2022, Mr. Tao invested in 6 commercial eel tanks on an area of 24 square meters, raising 40,000 eels/crop, with a cycle of 8-9 months. When harvesting, the selling price is stable at 93,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, there is still a good profit. In addition, he cultivates 15 hectares of rice fields, his wife cooks wine for sale, with an average income of 50 million VND/year. Mr. Tao confided: "As long as I have the strength, I will continue to work. I used to be a soldier, I have to know how to make a living, live well for my children and grandchildren to follow." Thanks to his diligence and thrift, he raised 3 children to adulthood and built a spacious house. His family has been recognized as a cultural family for many years, actively contributing to the locality's new rural construction.

Nuclear development

After leaving the army, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Do - Director of Hoa Loc Hon Dat Mango Cooperative cultivated 8 hectares of mango, but the mixed variety had low yield and unstable price. Since 2018, he and 9 members of the Commune Veterans Association established Hoa Loc Hon Dat Mango Cooperative following VietGAP standards.

Initially, the cooperative had only 17 hectares, charter capital of 36 million VND. Up to now, the scale has expanded to 240 hectares, 151 members, charter capital increased to 500 million VND. Each year, the market is supplied with 5.5 - 6 tons of mango, priced at 30,000 - 70,000 VND/kg, helping each member earn 120 - 150 million VND/ha/year. In 2021, Hoa Loc Hon Dat sand mango was certified to meet the 4-star OCOP standard at the provincial level, expanding the consumption market to Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi .

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Do (middle) and members visit the mango garden in bloom. Photo: BICH THUY

Mr. Danh Loi - a veteran said: "Previously, I grew rice with low efficiency. When I joined the cooperative, I received technical support and product consumption, and my income doubled." The cooperative also created stable jobs for 25 regular workers and dozens of seasonal workers, contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy , and is a typical model of the emulation movement "Veterans do good business" in the province.

From the snakehead fish farming model in Tan Hoa, mango growing in Hon Dat to eel farming in Giong Rieng, the soldiers of the past continue to write the tradition of Uncle Ho's soldiers through concrete actions, legitimately enriching themselves, helping each other develop the economy, spreading the spirit of self-reliance in the community.

Mr. Tran Thien My - Vice Chairman of the Provincial Veterans Association said: “Today's veterans continue to demonstrate the fighting spirit of the soldiers of the past, but on a new front - the economic development front. They not only enrich themselves but also contribute to strengthening the people's trust in the Party and the State with specific and practical actions. The province always cares about, supports and encourages economic models owned by veterans, considering this as the core to spread the spirit of solidarity, self-reliance, self-reliance, daring to think, daring to do, encouraging members to actively participate in building new rural areas".

These economic models not only bring stable income but also highlight the image of the hard-working, loyal and steadfast peacetime soldier on all fronts, contributing to writing a new page for the rich and beautiful homeland of An Giang .

BICH THUY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tu-chien-hao-ra-dong-ruong-a465505.html