Do Hieu Liem at his farm

(VOVworld) –At the age of 70, Do Hieu Liem of Tien Giang province owns a farm that combines fish ponds and orchards, earning him approximately 50,000 USD annually. Do Hieu Liem has been selected as a role model in Tien Giang province’s production emulation campaign. Nguyen Chu Trinh reports…

After raising cattle on his limited farmland, Do Hieu Liem of Phu Kiet commune, Cho Gao district, switched to fish farming in combination with growing fruit trees. With some initial success, Liem expanded his fish farm and orchards of apple, longan, and pomelo trees. Liem’s production model has proved effective thanks to smart application of the latest advanced production technologies. Liem was the only farmer from Tien Giang province selected to take part in a national conference honoring excellent production models last year: "I use a model of integrating home garden, orchards, livestock, and fishpond, which has proved effective. This model requires farmers to use advanced technologies and promptly address problems that arise. For example, we have to find a treatment for the fish as soon as we detect the smallest signs of unhealthy fish."

Liem’s goramy fish farm and orchards of pomelo and aromatic coconut trees earned him strong revenues every year. Liem’s production model  provides a role model for other local households to follow. Now well-off himself, Liem spares no effort to help others increase their revenues. As head of the communal Fish Association, Liem shares his knowhow to help others become more productive. Every year, Liem donates 2500 USD to help the association’s disadvantaged members buy better breeds and develop their productions. Bui Van Cuc is deputy chairman of the Phu Kiet communal Farmers’ Association: "Do Hieu Liem has contributed his experience, labor, land, and money to every communal activity and to help other farmers become better off. His production model has developed strongly over the past few years and is a role model for other local households to follow."

Do Hieu Liem said he wants to do more to help his commune fulfil the national new rural development program’s 19 criteria: "Farmers like us have our own ways to contribute to national development. We always try to do our best in our farm work and to help our commune fulfil all 19 criteria of the national new rural development program."