(VOVworld) – Born into a poor Dao ethnic family in Seng Lang hamlet, Ta Phin commune, Lai Chau province, Tan A Senh applied for bank loans to raise cattle and develop his brick production, generating jobs for many local people. Tan A Senh has set a bright example for other young local ethnic people in escaping poverty.
In his new house, Tan A Senh said when he got married he had trouble making ends meet from rice cultivation. He then traveled to other localities to learn new economic models to help his family escape poverty. In 2009, he borrowed money from his relatives to invest in raising livestock and making bricks for local consumption. In 2011, Senh obtained bank loans to expand his production. Senh now earns 15,000 USD annually from selling cattle: "When I got married, it was almost impossible for me to ensure proper living conditions for my family as I had no experience and the local climate was too harsh for rice cultivation and livestock raising. It was important to choose the right time to start raising certain animals. January is ideal to start raising pigs. I also noted an increasing demand for horse meat. During cold periods, my family often takes the oxen and cows to lower elevations to avoid the harsh weather."
Tan A Senh's brick factory. Photo: Lai Chau newspaper
|
Senh took out more bank loans to buy 4 brick-making machines. He now earns 20,000 USD annually from selling bricks and bought two more trucks to transport his bricks. In addition to becoming well-off personally, Senh has also created jobs for many local people. Cheo A Nai works at Senh’s brick factory: "Senh shares with us his knowhow in raising cattle and asked me to work for his brick factory. I earn 200 USD a month working in the factory. We’re very grateful for the job and will try to develop our household economy."
Most of Ta Phin commune’s population is Dao ethnic people and nearly half of the commune’s 570 households are living in poverty due to poor farming conditions. Senh and his successful economic model have encouraged other people to follow suit. Cheo Cuoi Lu is head of Seng Lang hamlet, Ta Phin commune: "Starting from scratch, Senh has been very successful in developing his husbandry and brick-making model. He has also helped other households to become better off. His contributions to developing the local socio-economy have been acknowledged in our community."