Ca Mau farmers get rich right on salty land

As a habit, every day Mr. Phan Tan Nghe (in Tho Mai hamlet, Phu My commune, Phu Tan district, Ca Mau) goes to the shrimp pond to harvest shrimp and crab. In recent years, implementing the campaign to utilize land to prevent overproduction by the local Party Committee and government, Mr. Nghe has researched and learned to grow fruit trees on saline soil. Although it is not easy to improve saline soil to grow trees, he is determined to do it. Now the garden is full of custard apples, mangoes, guavas... with sweet fruits. In particular, the coconut garden around the shrimp pond is helping the family have a significant additional source of income.

Mr. Nghe is 76 years old this year, also a 4/4 war invalid, but he is always enthusiastic about working. He always remembers Uncle Ho's teaching "labor is glorious", from which he has more motivation to rise up.

Mr. Nghe shared: "Regarding economic development, I am always determined. Although I am old, I can still do it, take care of the family, and support my children so that they can go to work with peace of mind. Since then, the family has grown and is now striving to become a well-off household in the neighborhood."

Mr. Phan Tan Nghe is 76 years old but still works hard.

With 2 hectares of family land, in recent years Mr. Nghe has converted the traditional extensive shrimp farming model to improved extensive shrimp farming. He has intercropped with crabs and fish to increase efficiency, with an income of nearly 200 million VND per year. The orchard, vegetables and coconut trees help the family earn more income.

Not only making efforts in production, Mr. Phan Tan Nghe is also always aware that he is a veteran, a soldier of Uncle Ho to set an example.

"I am aware that as a veteran, I must set an example for everyone to follow. Any policies, guidelines, and guidelines of the Party and State, veterans must consciously comply with them before others. Seeing me as a good example and rising up, the neighbors will also be conscious and learn from me," Mr. Nghe expressed.

Every day, Mr. Nghe still goes to harvest shrimp and crab in the pond.

In 2024, Mr. Phan Tan Nghe received the 55-year Party membership badge. He was exemplary and actively worked to carry out the campaign "Studying and practicing Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style". He was recognized by the locality as a role model for the people to follow.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Thong, Vice Chairman of Phu My Commune People's Committee, commented: "I find the economic model of Mr. Phan Tan Nghe's family very effective. He always shows himself to be a soldier of Uncle Ho who is enthusiastic about business. He also educates his children and grandchildren to follow the Party's policies and the State's laws very well. As for him, although he is old, he still regularly cultivates and implements Resolution 03 of the District Party Committee as well as the Phu My Commune Party Committee. In addition, he is always willing to support the village in implementing improved extensive shrimp farming models, crab farming and growing vegetables and fruit trees effectively."

Mr. Nghe is proud to have 56 years of Party membership.

Mr. Phan Tan Nghe still has many wounds from the war, and the weather still hurts, but the old veteran is still working and producing enthusiastically. The 55-year-old party member not only seeks and learns new things to develop the economy but is also always ready to help the people rise up. He is also always at the forefront of movements to study and follow Uncle Ho's teachings.