The integrated VACR model, combining crop cultivation and livestock farming, implemented by Ms. Le Thi Thon. Photo: H. Nhan

In 1994, Ms. Thon got married with nothing but her bare hands. The early years of her marriage were marked by hardship, leading her to constantly think of ways to escape poverty. After much deliberation, in 2010, she discussed with her husband borrowing 10 million VND from the Social Policy Bank to raise fish. She used 5 million VND to dig a pond, and the rest to buy grass carp, common carp, tilapia, etc., to stock.

A year later, realizing the effectiveness of fish farming, she continued to borrow capital through the Women's Union of the commune to buy two pairs of piglets. Just over three months later, the pigs thrived, and she sold them for over 6 million dong. She reinvested the profit, expanding her pig farm. From just a few pigs initially, her family now has 25. Every three months, she sells about 5 pigs, earning over 20 million dong.

The family's fish pond has also yielded significant results. By utilizing clean water from the stream and readily available natural food sources, the cost of raising fish has decreased, resulting in high profits. Each year, she earns approximately 70 million VND from the fish pond alone. In addition, she also cultivates over 2 hectares of hybrid acacia and other crops, bringing in an additional 60 million VND annually.

Thanks to her hard work and the right approach, by 2013, her family had escaped poverty. Currently, with a total income of nearly 200 million VND per year, Ms. Thon is able to support her three children through university, and her family's life has gradually stabilized, with savings. For many years, she has been recognized as an exemplary woman in economic development in the locality.

Besides caring for her family, Ms. Thon is also willing to share her experience with her neighbors. From selecting breeds and raising methods to utilizing natural food sources, she provides guidance so that everyone can try their hand at it. Ms. Ho Thi Nga, a resident of A Luoi 1 commune, commented: "Ms. Thon is a hardworking, resilient woman who dares to think and act. Not only has she enriched herself, but she also actively helps other women change their mindset and methods so that they can all rise together."

A Lưới 1 commune was formed after the merger of four communes: Hồng Thủy, Hồng Vân, Trung Sơn, and Hồng Kim from the former A Lưới district. The commune has over 12,000 inhabitants, mainly Tà Ôi, Cơ Tu, and Vân Kiều ethnic minorities. Despite many changes, the lives of the people remain difficult, with approximately 700 poor households currently residing in the area.

Mr. Ho Van Nguc, Head of the Economic Department of A Luoi 1 Commune, said that in the coming time, we will continue to guide people to leverage the local advantages to develop fruit tree cultivation such as pomelo, orange, and longan, while combining it with livestock farming to improve the economy. The commune will also create favorable conditions for units to disburse loans easily, open technical training classes, and support people in improving their knowledge of farming and livestock raising to develop a sustainable economy.

Sharing her plans for the future, Ms. Le Thi Thon said: “With the development of livestock farming and crop cultivation, our family's economic situation has improved significantly. In the future, I will continue to expand the model, especially pig farming, to ensure my children receive a full education and have better living conditions later on.”

Hai Bang

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-nong-thon/vuon-len-tu-ngheo-kho-157064.html