From the fields and gardens, they rise up.

From humble beginnings, many veterans have strived to rise above their circumstances on the labor and production front. Through willpower and diligent work, they have transformed their fields and gardens into a stable source of income, providing their families with a comfortable life.

Mr. Duong Thai Bong, residing in Hoa An B hamlet, Ngoc Chuc commune, is a model veteran in developing his family's economy in the locality. We visited Mr. Bong's house on a beautiful sunny day. Amidst the lush green garden, the sturdy, sun-tanned man carefully examined each durian tree in the fruit-bearing stage. Occasionally, he bent down to check the soil moisture, observed the young leaves, and only then did he confidently continue. Few would imagine that this hardworking farmer, tending to his fruit orchard, was once a soldier who served in the military.

Mr. Duong Thai Bong by his fish pond. Photo: BICH THUY

After leaving the military in 1983, Mr. Bong returned to his hometown. Life after the war was still full of hardships, and opportunities for making a living were limited. In 1987, when he got married and moved out on his own, the couple's biggest asset was 1 hectare of rice paddy land given to them by his parents. For over 20 years, his family worked diligently cultivating rice, saving up, but they still only had enough to eat.

In 2017, when his health no longer allowed him to work hard in the rice fields, he boldly converted 6,000 ^{square meters of} rice land into raised beds to plant 137 durian trees (Ri 6 seedless variety and Monthong seedless variety), combined with bananas, jackfruit, pomelo, and coconut. Mr. Bong dug ponds to raise tilapia, catfish, and hybrid catfish; he also planted vegetables and aquatic plants to generate short-term income.

Initially, managing many different types of plants in the same garden often left him feeling overwhelmed. Plant diseases, unpredictable weather, and large initial investments presented significant challenges, but he didn't give up. Mr. Bong taught himself through newspapers and television, studied techniques on various media, and visited successful models to learn from their experiences. Gradually, he understood the characteristics of each plant, grasped the weather patterns, and proactively managed flowering and fruit development.

Thanks to his "short-term gains to support long-term growth" approach, he earns over 70 million VND annually from aquaculture and short-term crop cultivation. When durian is in season and prices fluctuate between 70,000 and 80,000 VND/kg, Mr. Bong earns nearly 250 million VND in profit. Some durians weighing over 11kg sell for 800,000 VND each, a level of income previously difficult to achieve from rice farming. Mr. Bong has also successfully researched techniques to make durians bear fruit out of season, selling them at higher prices and stabilizing his income. Mr. Bong said: "I simply thought that soldiers are used to overcoming difficulties, so doing business also requires perseverance. Farming now requires careful planning, understanding the plants and the soil, not just doing things out of habit."

What is admirable about Mr. Bong is not only his decent income but also his spirit of sharing. He wholeheartedly guides anyone who comes to him asking for advice. Many villagers have learned his integrated gardening methods, gradually increasing their income.

Mr. Le Thanh Nhan (on the right) next to a jackfruit tree in his garden. Photo: BICH THUY

Mr. Bong is not alone; many other veterans have also risen to success. Mr. Le Thanh Nhan (62 years old), residing in Vinh Thanh B hamlet, Vinh Xuong commune, after being discharged from the army in 1986, tried many professions before settling in agriculture . Currently, he owns 6 acres of longan and jackfruit orchards and 35 acres of rice paddies. Each year, his fruit orchard brings in about 150 million VND in income, combined with three rice harvests a year, helping his family maintain a stable life.

Mr. Ho Thanh Hong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Vinh Xuong commune and Chairman of the Veterans Association of Vinh Xuong commune, said: “The entire commune has 368 members participating in 15 branches, and currently there are no poor members in the commune. Many members actively help each other with capital, livestock, and production experience to improve their lives together.”

From the training grounds of yesteryear to the fields and gardens of today, it's a long journey of perseverance. These soldiers don't talk much about their achievements, but the way they quietly work, plan their business, and help each other progress has become a lasting value for their homeland.

The soldiers of yesteryear continue to hold their positions on the economic front through their willpower and faith in hard work. This is also how they continue to uphold the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in everyday life, contributing to enriching their families and building a more prosperous homeland.

BICH THUY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tu-ruong-vuon-vuon-len-a476518.html