Slump in demand for bamboo products hits craftsmen hard (22-12-2008) Craftswomen of An Phuoc handicraft village in Quang Nam Province’s Duy Xuyen District make sedge mat. — VNA/VNS Photo Hong Ky HCM CITY — Local crafstmen are feeling the pinch of falling prices and lower demand of export markets for bamboo and rattan-made products. Artisan Tran Thi Nam, said: "I am old already, who wants to employ me? I have no choice but to borrow money to get by." The 60-year-old craftswoman has been making hand-crafted products for most of her working life. Nam lives with her son in Di An District in southern Binh Duong Province. Her son is also in the trade. Both are now trying to eke out a living without a reliable source of income. In the past they earned between VND50,000 and VND60,000 per day. But orders for products began to decline at the end of September, and had further worsened by mid-November when European markets stopped buying. "I will not have a Tet if the … [Read more...] about Slump in demand for bamboo products hits craftsmen hard
Farm products near me
Organic farm project revives traditional, sustainable farming methods
VietNamNet Bridge – Organic gardening is a traditional, healthy style of farming known to most Vietnamese people for centuries. However, the old style is fading in the modern day, as farmers keep rushing with rapid changes of habit of consumers in the market to increase their profit. As the number of cancer patients rises in hospitals and food is seen as a contributing factor, consumers and farmers think of the old, safe, environmentally friendly farming styles. Urban residents now prefer growing their own vegetables in plastic boxes on their balconies or roofs to provide themselves chemical-free vegetables. A community garden in Dien Ban Town in Quang Nam Province has developed an organic farm model to help raise awareness in its community about the importance of safe, healthy food and environmental protection.All natural: Nguyen Thi Ha takes care of a bean trellis on the organic farm. The garden grows plants and vegetables in an organic style, not using … [Read more...] about Organic farm project revives traditional, sustainable farming methods
Hi-tech shrimp farms booming in south
Viet Nam News HCM CITY - Hi-tech shrimp farming models complete with net houses, canvas-lined ponds and water treatment plant systems require billions of đồng in investment per hectare. However, the effectiveness of such models means many farmers in the Southeastern region are willing to give it a try. "Previously, farmers' mindsets were set on throwing out a sprat to catch a mackerel. Such thinking is no longer tenable," Trần Văn Mùa - a farmer from Hiệp Phước Commune, Nhà Bè District, HCM City, who practises the new model, said. "Now, if we want to harvest good shrimp, we need to be willing to invest," he added. The hi-tech model he is deploying was a result of knowledge and experience he has garnered during various trips to study successful models, both abroad and at home. On average, the implementation of this model costs VNĐ2 billion (around $95,000). It's pricey, but his investment has paid off, with high survival rates, annual average yield reaching as high as 120 tonnes … [Read more...] about Hi-tech shrimp farms booming in south
Tay Ninh farmers make a fortune thanks to loans based on the production link group model
(VOVworld) –The model of lending based on production link groups has helped thousands of farmer households in Tay Ninh province escape poverty and make their fortunes. Through the model, which is jointly organized by the provincial Farmers’ Association and the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, or Agribank local farmers can promptly access banking loans while the capital has been used more effectively. The production link group also enables farmers to exchange their experiences in production and trading. In Phuoc Hoi hamlet, Duong Minh Chau district, Vo Van Ten, known as Nam Ten, is famous for doing business successfully, earning 90,000 USD a year. During the initial days, he had just one hectare of farming land inherited from his parents. Nam Ten said his current property is partly thanks to banking capital resources. “Whatever you raise or grow, you must have land. I like to plant timber most. My business has developed well thanks to the assistance … [Read more...] about Tay Ninh farmers make a fortune thanks to loans based on the production link group model
Ha Noi swallows more farms
The Hanoi Times - To feed the growing demand for industrial land, Ha Noi plans to gradually take over more land used for agricultural production. Under a five-year land-use plan approved recently by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, agricultural land will be reduced by more than 3,300ha from 44,168ha in 2008 to 40,805ha by 2010. Meanwhile, the non-agricultural land area of the capital will increase by nearly 3,600ha to 49,000ha in the same period. Of this area, land for industrial areas will increase to more than 1,900ha; for business to nearly 2,780ha; and for public services, such as traffic, healthcare, education and training, to 1,561ha. Vice chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vu Hong Khanh said that Ha Noi’s reducing farm land was necessary to meet the development trend. Khanh said priority for allocating the reclaimed land would be given to key industries, including hi-tech and high-value industrial production sectors. During the period, more than 5,800ha of … [Read more...] about Ha Noi swallows more farms