Cai Vien ward of Ha Quang district. (Photo: haquang.caobang.gov.vn)

Local farmers have been cultivating new cereal plants and specialty plants such as ginger and turmeric, and developing cattle-breeding. Dam Van Diep of Thuong Thon ward said hybrid corn seeds were introduced in 2010 to replace domestic seeds with poor drought resistance and low productivity. However, farmers were reluctant to change, so he and other Party members volunteered to grow the new corn.

"We grew the corn on strips of land near the roads," Diep said, "During the harvest season, people passing on the roads saw that we had twice the productivity of native corn, so they changed their minds and followed us.”

People in Luc Khu ward prepare land for a new crop. (Photo: nhandan.com.vn)

Several new-style cooperatives have been founded by Party members in Ha Quang district. Some have even donated land for the new rural development movement. 

"Local Party members play an important role in grassroots groups and organizations. Ethnic minority people need to be led by example, not convinced by theoretical talk, and they tend to follow role models efficiently," said Nguyen Lam Thi Tu Anh, Secretary of the district Party Committee.