Hang A So earns tens of thousands of USD from his orchard. (Photo: VOV)

Hang A So was born into a farming family with 12 children, whose income came mainly from growing rice and corn. His family lived in poverty for many years.

In 1990, So switched to growing plums and saw an immediate improvement in his income. In 2019, he added orange and lemon trees to his orchard, and applied modern technology. His orchard now covers 4ha.

“In 1990, thanks to the government’s support, we started growing plums and escaped from poverty. Now I have a good income from my orchard, earning 60,000 USD per year from oranges and plums,” said So.

According to So, preventing pests and using technology is the key to high productivity. In 2019 he switched to organic production and automated irrigation, and now produces 80 tons of fruit a year.

“So’s oranges are favored by many for their sweetness and consistent quality.  I often come here to purchase his fruits,” said Nguyen Thi Xuyen, a merchant from Hanoi.

So is very active in consulting and transferring technology to replicate his orchard model. He has created jobs for 20 people who each earn 300 USD per month. 

“I used to grow rice but earned very little and my income was unstable. Since I began working at So’s orchard, I have had more income. So’s orchard model is very effective. It has given many people jobs and stable incomes, and helped them escape from poverty,” said Trang A Chu, a farmer in Moc Chau district.

Hang A So’s orchard. (Photo: VOV)

Hang A So has received many certificates of merit from Son La province and Moc Chau district. Last year he was named one of the 100 outstanding farmers in Vietnam.

“After having undergone training courses held by the Farmers’ Association of Moc Chau district, So has been successful with the orchard model. He has helped other locals follow his model and achieve success. Many now have jobs with a stable income,” said Luong The Quynh, Chairman of the Farmers’ Association of Moc Chau district.

So’s success has sparked a production emulation movement among local farmers, who are determined to build a happy and prosperous village.