Prosperity and well-being thanks to the General Secretary's " gift ".
Ayun commune has 6 out of 6 villages classified as extremely disadvantaged, with approximately 1,000 households, of which 97% are ethnic minorities such as the Gia Rai and Ba Na. Their labor force is limited and heavily dependent on nature and rainwater. The total cultivated area in the commune is nearly 2,000 hectares, but most lack reliable irrigation, allowing for only one crop per year, resulting in low crop yields and production efficiency. Furthermore, Ayun commune is located in an isolated position, far from the district center, once considered an "island." The harsh climate and lack of irrigation for agriculture have led to persistent food shortages during the lean season.
I recall the event in April 2017, when General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and a delegation of Central Committee officials visited and worked in Ayun commune. After meeting and talking with the people of various ethnic groups, the General Secretary expressed his concern upon hearing the local authorities report that Ayun had been awarded the title of Hero of the Armed Forces, but more than 80% of the poor households were ethnic minorities.
After understanding the thoughts and aspirations of the people and officials of Ayun commune, the General Secretary instructed the relevant central and Gia Lai provincial agencies to prioritize funding for the construction of the Pleikeo irrigation project to ensure a regular water supply for Ayun. At the same time, the General Secretary also expressed his hope that officials and people would change their mindset and approach; that work would involve mobilizing the people's strength; and that they would increase their proactiveness instead of waiting for the central government for everything...
In mid-2018, the Pleikeo irrigation project commenced construction with a total investment of 120 billion VND, managed by the People's Committee of Chu Se district. The project has the capacity to irrigate approximately 500 hectares of crops with a 15 km long canal system. By the end of 2019, the Pleikeo irrigation project officially began supplying water to the Ayun rice fields, much to the delight of the local people.
From here, this irrigation project not only provided water but also revolutionized the mindset and changed the ingrained farming practices of hundreds of Gia Rai and Ba Na families for generations. The people gradually abandoned traditional farming methods, opting instead for intensive farming, cultivating rice 2-3 times a year. As a result, they not only eradicated hunger and reduced poverty but also achieved a relatively prosperous life.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hop, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Ayun commune, shared: “Previously, people could only grow one rice crop a year, depending on nature, so they could never escape poverty. With the Pleikeo irrigation project, the irrigation needs for about 300 hectares have been met. Now, people know how to grow 2-3 rice crops per year, increasing yields from 2-3 tons/ha to 6 tons/ha. As a result, the poverty rate in Ayun commune has decreased from 80% (in 2017) to about 30% today.”
Grateful to the General Secretary, the ethnic groups of Ayun commune unite to build their homeland.
From a particularly impoverished commune, frequently facing food shortages during the lean season, thanks to investment and support programs and projects for ethnic minority communities, especially the effective Pleikeo irrigation project, the appearance of Ayun commune has gradually transformed, donning a new look of prosperity. On the lush green rice fields, the people are busy increasing production and preparing for the new harvest season.
Having achieved these results, the people of Ayun commune are always grateful and remember the image of the General Secretary being close to the people, listening to their voices, and working with them to find ways to develop and escape poverty sustainably.
Elder Dinh A Nhur (70 years old, A Chong village) confided: "Thanks to Uncle Trong, the lives of the people here have escaped poverty and now have enough to eat and save. Before, during the lean season, famine was common. Now that we have water, the people know how to grow more rice, coffee, and fruit trees. Witnessing such clear changes, I feel truly happy. The people are always grateful to Uncle Trong for what we have today. In my role as village elder, I have regularly propagated and encouraged the people to work hard, grow more rice and coffee to escape poverty sustainably."
In recent days, upon hearing the news of the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the people of Ayun commune have expressed their boundless sorrow.
Mr. Dinh Lyam (46 years old, Tung Ke 2 village) also remembers the day the General Secretary visited and encouraged him. “After more than 7 years, thanks to the General Secretary's encouragement, my family has decided to escape poverty. Currently, my family cultivates about five acres of rice paddies and one hectare of land for growing crops; my children are diligent in their studies. When I heard the news of the General Secretary's passing, I was very sad, regretful, and extremely grateful to him. I promise to teach my children and grandchildren to be united, to focus on their studies, and to contribute to the development of our homeland, so as not to disappoint the General Secretary's concern for our people,” Mr. Lyam confided.
Mr. Siu Blí, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ayun commune, recalled the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong with overwhelming sorrow. Mr. Blí emotionally recounted: He felt deeply honored and proud to have met General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his visit to the locality seven years ago. During their conversation, the General Secretary encouraged and reminded him that cadres must be exemplary so that the people would trust and listen to them. "I felt that the General Secretary was a simple, warm, and approachable person who talked to and thoroughly understood the living conditions of the people in remote areas like Ayun. It was this deep concern that led the General Secretary to give the people of Ayun a special gift with lasting significance – the Plei Keo irrigation project."
“Upon hearing the news of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, everyone in the commune was saddened and mourned. Remembering the General Secretary's kindness, I and the people of all ethnic groups in Ayun commune pledge to unite, strive diligently in labor and production, effectively utilize the Plei Keo irrigation system, and together lift Ayun out of poverty as General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong wished,” Mr. Siu Blí expressed his determination.
Source: https://baodantoc.vn/dong-bao-xa-ayun-nho-on-tong-bi-thu-nguyen-phu-trong-1722334640551.htm
