In the past, the village was marked by poverty and outdated customs. Today, however, it has taken on a new, brighter appearance. This transformation began with the efforts of simple yet determined local officials and Party members. Among them are Dang Huu Than and his wife, a couple who dared to think long-term, work hard, and initiate change in their hometown.
Recognized by the Van Ban District Party Committee in 2023, Party member Dang Huu Than, of the Dao ethnic group, was one of three outstanding individuals representing the district in a ceremony reporting achievements to President Ho Chi Minh (symbolically) and visiting his Mausoleum in Hanoi.
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Dang Huu Than and his wife harvesting Muc pomelos |
We met Than while his family was busy harvesting Muc pomelos. As the first and only household in Nam Dang commune to earn income from crop restructuring, Than shared that by diversifying their crops, they enjoy more consistent harvests throughout the year.
While cinnamon cultivation is flourishing in Nam Dang, Than’s family grows over 8 hectares of cinnamon and has also transformed barren hills and degraded forest land into productive pomelo orchards. They now grow several varieties, including Muc pomelo, green-skinned pomelo, Dien pomelo, and others. In their third year of pomelo harvesting, with proper care, the fruits weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms each and sell at an average price of VND 15,000–20,000 per fruit. With over 1,000 pomelos harvested this season, the family has enjoyed a stable income. Thanks to social media sales channels and strong consumer trust in the fruit’s quality and safety, they have had no trouble selling their produce.
As Party members, Than and his wife have consistently maintained an exemplary lifestyle, taking the lead in changing production mindsets and improving livelihoods. With diligence and a desire to learn, Than shifted from traditional farming practices to a diversified economic model suited to his family’s resources. He has effectively utilized local land and natural conditions, applying practical experience to transform their livelihood.
Notably, he converted low-lying rice fields into fish ponds and integrated forestry with farming. In addition, he raises buffaloes, pigs, and chickens, applying intensive farming techniques to generate short-term income while supporting long-term growth. His family earns over VND 200 million annually and has been recognized as an exemplary production and business household. Many villagers have learned from and replicated his successful model.
Outstanding examples like Dang Huu Than have helped improve the effectiveness of outreach and the replication of sustainable development models. As a result, the number of poor households in Nam Dinh village has dropped to just four, accounting for only 8.8% of the population. Currently, 11 households have been recognized for excellence in production and business at the district and commune levels. Moreover, 80% of families now live in solid houses, and 80% have been designated as cultural households. Nam Dinh has become a model village for improving living standards among the Dao people and has been selected by both district and commune authorities as a reference for other localities.
Translated by Quynh Oanh