An Thai commune in Phu ciao district: Economic development in association with environmental protection

In recent years, An Thai commune in Phu Giao district has achieved significant results in economic development while ensuring environmental protection. The State’s support policies, along with farmers' proactive adoption of sustainable agricultural models and agricultural waste management solutions, have contributed to increased income and stable local economic growth while preserving the environment.

Sustainable agricultural development

Bui Van Bao, Chairman of An Thai communal People's Committee stated that the commune has planned specialized rubber-growing areas and converted low-yield crops into high-yield, disease-resistant varieties. Additionally, the locality has developed high-tech fruit orchards, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth. The local livestock sector is also being organized into farm models in association with environmental protection measures, along with high-tech applications to control disease outbreaks and effectively manage waste, minimizing pollution and ensuring public health.

A prime example is the fruit-growing model of U&I Agricultural Joint Stock Company in An Thai commune, covering more than 411 hectares with crops such as tissue-cultured bananas, green-skinned pomelos, netted muskmelons... Among them, the products of netted muskmelon and tissue-cultured bananas have met the 4-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) program standards. This model has created regular employment for more than 300 workers in the commune, with an average income of VND 8 million per person per month. This model has provided regular employment for over 300 local workers with an average income of VND 8 million per month, generating an annual post-tax profit of over VND 4.5 billion. The company has also collaborated with local farmers to provide technical guidance and product consumption support. A representative of U&I Agricultural Joint Stock Company emphasized that their fruit-growing model has strictly adhered to technical standards, ensuring biosecurity and environmental sanitation. Fertilizer and pesticide products are applied appropriately to each growth stage and season, optimizing plant development. The cultivation process has been meticulously recorded to ensure traceability, enhancing product quality and economic efficiency.

Currently, farms in An Thai commune are applying modern technologies such as smart greenhouses, drip irrigation systems and remote-controlled misting systems via mobile applications, reducing manual laborers. GPS and GIS technologies are used for soil analysis, yield forecast, crop productivity monitoring, early pest detection and timely intervention. Leaders of the commune have collaborated with businesses and relevant units to provide training programs, helping farmers access modern machinery and digital technologies. Additionally, efforts are being made to digitize production information and implement QR code-based agricultural product traceability, enhancing product value and facilitating management.

Towards a model new-style rural commune

An Thai commune was recognized as an advanced new-style rural commune in 2020. Building on the achieved results, the commune is focusing on environmental protection efforts, aiming at meeting the standards of a model new-style rural area. Currently, the commune has met all 19 criteria for a model new-style rural commune and completed necessary documents for official recognition. Additionally, the commune has fulfilled 29 out of 39 smart new-style rural commune criteria under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s guidelines. To meet standards for a model new-style rural commune, the commune is actively promoting agricultural waste treatment through propaganda and guidance on waste sorting and recycling. Moreover, all high-tech agricultural enterprises in the commune have invested in environmental protection facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations…

Bui Thanh Huong, Head of the hamlet 5’s Management Board stated that the hamlet is home to over 300 households, with rubber trees playing a key role in economic development. Additionally, many families have invested in citrus fruit cultivation, ensuring stable income. Introducing Tien Tram road in the hamlet, Mr. Huong enthusiastically shared that this is the exemplary flower road of the hamlet. Previously, this road was a narrow path, commonly referred to by the locals as the "ox-cart road". Over the years of renovation, the road has gradually been expanded and paved with concrete. Local residents have also proactively planted flowers along both sides of the road, creating a green, clean and beautiful landscape. Notably, a lighting and clean water supply system has also been invested in, contributing to improving the quality of the local people’s life.

“The well-maintained roads and clean environment not only help improve the quality of life for locals, but also provide motivation for them to develop their economy. Additionally, waste classification at the source allows residents to use organic waste as fertilizer, improving soil quality, reducing waste and saving costs”, said Tran Hong Khanh, a resident along Tien Tram road, with enthusiasm.

Leaders of An Thai commune noted that the trend of green agriculture is gaining widespread support among residents. Farmers are gradually shifting toward eco-friendly production methods and recycling agricultural waste, thereby increasing production value and securing more stable incomes. The local authorities have been collaborating with mass organizations to promote and encourage residents to participate in waste classification and treatment at the source. Currently, the rate of households practicing waste classification has reached 56.49%, playing a crucial role in environmental protection and the development of a model new-style rural area.

An Thai commune currently has 33 high-tech agricultural models, including 21 livestock models, 12 fruit-growing models and one organic farming model. These models have demonstrated high economic efficiency while being environmentally friendly, encouraging further investment and expansion. Support policies aimed at promoting economic development alongside environmental protection have helped locals stabilize and improve their quality of life. In 2024, the average income per capita in the commune reached nearly VND 93 million, an increase of 10.46% compared to 2023.

 Reported by Tien Hanh-Translated by Kim Tin