Hiep Hoa district. Photo: HM/cpv.org.vn
Xuan Thanh hamlet in Hiep Hoa district’s Chau Minh commune has been recognized as a new-style rural hamlet. Since the national new rural development program was launched in the hamlet 3 years ago, the local authorities have spared no effort to publicize the program and encourage the local people to get involved in it. Once a disadvantaged hamlet, Xuan Thanh has made significant changes - new houses, schools, paved roads, and improved living conditions. Duong Van Huong, a Xuan Thanh official credits this success to local consensus: "Regular meetings are required to keep the local informed about the program. Transparency is a must. We could not get the people’s consensus and trust without transparency."
Acknowledging the importance of rezoning fields in new rural development, Xuan Thanh authorities sent officers to each household to collect their opinions and contributions for a better implementation of the program. Xuan Thanh’s success in mechanization and rezoning fields has boosted productivity and the local economy. Ngo Tuan Hau, a resident in Xuan Thanh, said: "Before, our productivity was rather low because of disorganized production. Now we focus on growing just one crop and all of our harvests are purchased by the Vietnam National Seed Joint Stock Company (Vinaseed) at higher prices."
Local people’s direct participation in every new rural development task has made the program a success. Mai Son is Secretary of Hiep Hoa district’s Party Committee: "Since the national new rural development program began in 2013, the district’s 18 hamlets have been recognized as new-style rural areas. A commune is recognized as a new-style rural area when all of its hamlets have earned recognition. This boosts the program in adjacent communes and ensures sustainable rural development."
After its initial success, Hiep Hoa hopes that two-thirds of its communes will have 90% of their hamlets recognized as new-style rural areas by 2020.