Although being at the age of 80, veteran Nguyen Van Ron residing at Dong Tam, Tam Lap commune, Phu Giao district has still made efforts in economic development with the VAC model which combines orchard development, fish breeding and animal husbandry. The model has brought him high profit, helping him secure a stable life and making contributions to the local movements. 

Nguyen Van Tron is tending his fish pond

Nguyen Van Tron was born in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. In the 1960s, he was a militiaman. In 1974, he was sent to the Division 9 under the Army Corps No.4 and began joining the Resistance. His unit experienced a four-year glorious struggle on Cambodian battlefield. Till 1977, soldiers under the Division No.9 returned home to make an increase of production in Phuoc Vinh land, which is now Tam Lap commune.

In 1979, he retired and begun his business in Tam Lap commune. With his determination and diligence, he has so far created a considerable property from farming doing.

The veteran said that he started his business by growing mangoes on a four-hectare land. Despite hardship, he came to Binh Chanh district in HCM city to sort out nurslings in order to promote the model. But, the model brought him low income, so he changed to growing pepper and rubber trees. His family now owns 11 hectares of rubber trees, 4 hectares of cashew trees and 1 hectare of fruit trees.

Along with cultivation, the veteran has successfully got involved in the model of animal husbandry. With a farm of 30 pigs, his family can secure the annual income of VND200mln. He also owns a pond with various fish like carp, tilapia…, contributing to increasing the economic efficiency of the VAC model.

The VAC model has not only helped him secure a well-off life, but also created jobs for 4 laborers with the daily salary of VND130,000 per person. He said that he and his wife faced difficulties on the first days when setting themselves up in business in Binh Duong. Not discouraged, he made efforts in reclamation and grew various plants to be able take care of his family. For him, endeavour will help overcome difficulties for success.

Not only him, his wife and daughter now also get involved in farm doing. Although being very rich, he does not enable himself to enjoy a leisured life at the old age. Every day, he still gets involved in taking care of his fish and pigs and sees this as his joy at the old age.

The veteran is also well-known as an outstanding individual in activities of the commune’s Veterans Association, Farmers Association and Elderly People Association. Over the past time, he also actively made contributions to the fund of the local Veterans Association and helped members with difficult circumstances get preferential loans, improving their lives.

For achievements done in the 2012 and 2014 period, he was honored as a good farmer in production and business. He also used to be invited to many places in order to report his achievements in production. And the ardour of a soldier in the past is still in him.

Reported by T.Ly-H.Nhung-Translated by K.T