(VOVworld) – Implementing the Government’s strategy on developing new rural areas, many agricultural development projects have been undertaken to boost local socio-economy. In our Vietnam’s New Rural Landscape segment today, we’ll shed light on outcomes of the cooperation program between the State, businesses, and farmers in Ninh Thuan province.

Harvesting salt in Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province (photo: baoninhthuan.com.vn)

The International Fund for Agricultural Development gave nearly 17 million USD to the central province of Ninh Thuan to enhance the effective cooperation between the State, businesses, and farmers, known as the tripartite cooperation. The goal of the project is to sustainably improve rural living conditions, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas and ethnic minority communities in 27 communes across the province. The project aims to implement the tripartite cooperative program, develop a value chain for the poor, and carry market-oriented communal socio-economic development plans.

Since 2012, the Project Coordination Board has worked with relevant agencies to organize 100 training classes for 3,000 households on animal health, food safety, and livestock breeding and tree planting techniques. Bo Thi Lien of Raglai ethnic group in Phuoc Thai district says: "Previously, I didn’t know how to raise cows so they often got diseases. After the training, I know how to care and cure sick cows. I want to attend a course to raise cows to have many calves."

The project has benefited ethnic minority groups, especially the poor and nearly-poor. Han Tan Duy, a Cham man, is Head of the Phuoc Thai Development Board. "The project opened 3 classes including one on tending cows, goats, sheeps, and pigs. Farmers have applied scientific knowledge in their production so they can earn good profits and avoid poverty."

The Project Coordination Board has assisted communal People’s Committees to formulate community-based socio-economic development plans. Thien Nhan, Deputy Head of Ninh Phuoc district’s Agricultural Trading Assistance Board, says: "Based on the plan, we know some of the people’s needs to which we can provide help, particularly for poor households, ethnic minority people, and women. The communes have found stable outlets for local agricultural products."

The project has disbursed 800,000 USD to compile handbooks and organize training courses to improve the capacity of full-time project officials. Vo Thai Tuan, Deputy Director of the Project Coordination Board, says: "The Tripartite Cooperation project in Ninh Thuan concentrates on introducing the project’s targets and activities so the people know what they will benefit from the project. We’ll enhance coordination with project implementers to ensure the project’s progress and goals."

The project supporting cooperation among the State, businesses, and farmers in Ninh Thuan province will continue to improve the trading environment and farmers’ access to technical and financial services.

Van Canh