Proactively adapt to change.
Located about 20km from the center of Dien Bien Phu city, Nua Ngam commune does not have a piped water system. All of the people's living and production needs depend on water from drilled wells. During the dry season, water shortages are severe, greatly affecting agricultural production, especially rice, a traditional crop that requires a lot of water.
Since 2018, recognizing the difficulties in rice production due to drought, Mr. Khuong proactively researched vegetable and fruit farming models from neighboring areas. Without formal training, but driven by a thirst for knowledge and practical experience in the fields, he boldly converted over 13,000 square meters of land from rice cultivation to growing pumpkins, cabbage, cauliflower, and flexibly rotating various vegetable crops.
Mr. Khuong and his father (pictured) proactively researched vegetable farming models to generate income . |
Specifically, with 6,000 square meters of land, Mr. Khuong rotates crops between pumpkins and rice: planting pumpkins at the beginning of the year and switching back to rice in the middle of the year. He makes maximum use of the remaining 7,000 square meters to produce three crops of vegetables each year.
Without piped water, the entire commune relies on well water, making agricultural production precarious. Statistics from 2024 show that nearly 13 hectares of crops in Núa Ngam commune could not be planted due to water shortage. To overcome this, Mr. Khường's family invested in an underground well, combined with a water-saving irrigation system, to maintain stable production.
Compared to rice cultivation, which yields only 5-6 quintals per 1,000 square meters with an income of about 5 million VND, the vegetable farming model has brought in profits many times higher. In one pumpkin crop, he harvested about 2 tons per 1,000 square meters, generating 10 million VND in revenue. After deducting expenses, he made a profit of over 6.5 million VND. With an area of 6,000 square meters, one pumpkin crop brought in approximately 80 million VND in revenue.
On average, a pumpkin crop brings in about 80 million VND for Mr. Khuong's family. |
Cabbage is also a stable source of income. He grows two crops a year, each yielding about 15 tons. On average, the revenue from cabbage is about 12 million VND per 1,000 square meters. In addition, cauliflower and some other vegetables are grown interspersed, helping to increase productivity and reduce pests and diseases.
“Previously, rice cultivation only yielded one crop a year, with low profits and heavy reliance on weather. With the integrated farming model I have now, I can harvest continuously throughout the year, reducing risks and providing a stable income. Actually, everyone faces difficulties, especially farmers. But if we stick to the old methods while natural conditions have changed, we will never improve,” Mr. Khuong shared.
Proactive output management, focusing on the value chain.
Not only is Mr. Khuong a skilled farmer, but he also proactively connects with businesses to sell his produce. His family's vegetables and pumpkins are purchased in large quantities directly from the farm by traders, while the rest is sold retail at Muong Thanh market and to local residents. Thanks to guaranteed quality and clear origin, his family's agricultural products always have stable sales.
After harvesting the pumpkins, Khương's family uses part of the land to plant corn. |
Going further, Mr. Khuong proposed to the commune the establishment of an agricultural cooperative in the locality, aiming to build a chain of OCOP-certified products, both enhancing the value of products and creating jobs for other households. "I want not only my family to develop, but also for people in the area to be able to get rich together from agriculture. If we have a cooperative, we will easily access a larger market, and our products will have a clearer brand," Mr. Khuong shared.
Lo Van Hoi, Secretary of the Youth Union of Nua Ngam commune, commented: "Comrade Khuong is very diligent, eager to learn, and has a pioneering spirit. In our Youth Union meetings, we often present his model as an example for members of the branches to learn from and follow."
While many young people are choosing to leave their hometowns to seek a living in the cities, the example of Mr. Tran Trong Khuong is a compelling testament to sustainable wealth creation right on his homeland. Beyond its economic effectiveness, his model also carries the hope of creating a ripple effect, contributing to the development of climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable rural development.
Hai Duong
Source: https://tienphong.vn/vuon-len-lam-giau-tren-vung-dat-khac-nghiet-bang-su-can-cu-va-linh-hoat-post1755529.tpo
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