Returning to the village to nurture green shoots for the land.

On New Year's Day, the fields dedicated to seedling cultivation in Thang Binh commune were bustling with activity. Interspersed among freshly sown seedlings were rows of lush green young plants, meticulously cared for by the local people. For many households here, seedling cultivation not only provides regular employment but also a stable source of income, contributing to an improved standard of living.

The people of An Phu village, Thang Binh commune, have a sustainable livelihood thanks to the seedling nursery business.

Having been involved in seedling cultivation for nearly 10 years, Ms. Le Thi Thoan (43 years old, An Phu village) said: "Previously, my family mainly practiced traditional agriculture, so our income was unstable and heavily dependent on the weather. When we saw some households in the commune switching to seedling cultivation and making a profit, my husband and I boldly learned and invested in the business. Initially, we were worried because we lacked experience, but seeing the market demand, we decided to give it a try. Gradually, we became more skilled and accumulated the necessary cultivation techniques." Currently, her family cultivates 5 acres of seedlings, producing 2 to 3 batches per year. Thanks to stable demand, especially during the Lunar New Year when the demand for seedlings increases and prices remain relatively high, it brings a significant income to the family.

According to Ms. Thoan, the current selling price of seedlings ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 VND per plant. Each year, the revenue from seedling cultivation reaches approximately 500 million VND. After deducting expenses such as seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor, her family earns a significant additional profit to cover living expenses and reinvest in production. “Thanks to seedling cultivation, our family's finances are much better than before. Having a steady income allows us to manage our finances and provide for our children's education,” Ms. Thoan said.

Ms. Le Thi Nhi, a long-time trader, said: "Not only locals but also many traders from other provinces and cities regularly come here to buy seedlings. The reason is that the quality of seedlings here is considered quite consistent, with a high survival rate, healthy trees, and well-developed root systems, so they are favored by the market. Seedlings in Thang Binh have the advantage of thick trunks, strong roots, and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. When planted in the field, the trees quickly take root, so people are very confident." According to Ms. Nhi, the seedling market in the commune is currently quite stable, not only serving the needs within the commune but also supplying many neighboring localities such as Xuan Du, Tan Ninh, Mau Lam... "Each season, we buy hundreds of thousands of seedlings to send to other communes for reforestation. In recent years, the demand for production reforestation has increased, so the market for seedlings is quite favorable, especially at the end of winter and the beginning of spring," Ms. Nhi shared.

Besides providing economic benefits to households, the seedling nursery business in An Phu village, Thang Binh commune, also creates seasonal jobs for hundreds of local laborers, especially during periods of land preparation, planting, transplanting, and potting. Many households have gained additional income, utilizing their garden land and free time during the agricultural off-season. However, according to those involved in the profession, growing seedlings is not as "easy" as many people think. The biggest difficulty is the weather. During prolonged periods of rain, the roots are very susceptible to rot. When the roots are damaged, the plants quickly shed their leaves, grow poorly, and may even die in large numbers if not treated promptly. In addition, the increasing costs of fertilizers, growing media, potting bags, and disease prevention also force growers to carefully plan to ensure economic efficiency.

The seedling nursery business demands meticulousness and perseverance in every step, from selecting seeds and sowing to caring for and sorting seedlings to meet export standards. The lush green rows of young plants in the nurseries are not only the result of hard work but also the "green shoots" of hope for a sustainable economic path for rural people. From small plots of land, farmers here are gradually "awakening" new opportunities, improving their income, and progressively raising their quality of life.

Mr. Luu Cong Tu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thang Binh commune, said: "The local climate and soil conditions are very suitable for developing the seedling nursery business, providing livelihoods for many households. This is mainly concentrated in Tan Giao, An Phu, Tan Dai and Ngu Thon Dai Ban villages, with a total area of ​​about 15 hectares."

Text and photos: Dinh Giang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ve-lang-uom-mam-xanh-cho-dat-279220.htm