(VOVworld) – Muong Hung is a border commune in Son Ma district, Son La province. Life in the commune has improved significantly thanks to a shift in production methods and the application of scientific advances in livestock breeding.

Lo Van Let’s family used to be one of the poorest households in Phieng Pen hamlet. He borrowed bank loans to grow longans and raise fish and sika deers. Let bought 15 sika deers for their horns, which helped him to build 2 houses worth approximately 100,000 USD. Let said: “We used to depend on wet rice cultivation and had no savings. Sika deer raising has turned out to be high profit and we plan to buy 15 more.”

Luong Van Thuc’s family moved to Muong Hung commune in 2010 as part of the Son La hydro-power plan resettlement plan. With government financial support Thuc is raising chickens, ducks, pigs, and fish, earning him approximately 7,000 USD a year. He said: “We will expand our production scale in the coming years. We are willing to share our experience with others to help them escape poverty.”

Life in Muong Hung has changed for the better thanks to the restructing of crops and livestock. Its food output in 2014 was 8,000 tonnes with a per capita income of 450 USD. Bui Van Thuy, a local official, said: “The local administration will step up socio-economic development, national defense, and security. Efforts will be made to prevent crime and social evils to help stabilize people’s lives and production.”