Sweet fruits from agroforestry in the Southern Central Highlands

After 7 years of implementing the combined agricultural and forestry model associated with orchard contracting, Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. has protected and gradually restored the green color of the forests.

In 2018, Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. (Nam Tay Nguyen Company) was managing nearly 23,400 hectares of forest and forest land. Of these, nearly 20,500 hectares were natural forests and 636 hectares were production forests.

At that time, the situation of deforestation and illegal occupation of cultivated land in the area managed by the company had reached an alarming level. In particular, more than 2,270 hectares of forest land were illegally used by people to grow agricultural crops, while land disputes and loss of security and order frequently occurred.

Forest land under the management of Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. was once encroached and occupied for the purpose of taking land for production.

In that context, Nam Tay Nguyen Company faced three options: returning the encroached land to the locality, forcibly reclaiming land for reforestation, or implementing a combined agricultural and forestry model associated with contracting out orchards.

After considering legal, economic and social factors, the third option was chosen. This is an approach that not only solves the problem of land management but also harmonizes the interests of people, businesses and localities.

Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. works with people to grasp their thoughts and aspirations.

In February 2018, Nam Tay Nguyen Company was approved by the Dak Nong Provincial People's Committee to pilot this model. Since then, the company has implemented plans to contract out tree gardens to people to participate in planting, caring for and protecting forests on previously encroached areas, creating a major turning point in local forest management and development.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh, Chairman and Director of Nam Tay Nguyen Company, the unit encountered many difficulties when starting to implement the combined agriculture and forestry model. At that time, people's awareness of the law was still limited, leading to a fear that if they participated, they would lose their production land.

Many local people do not cooperate in implementing the agro-forestry model of the Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. due to many objective and subjective factors.

Some people were also incited and incited by bad elements to gather in large numbers to oppose the unit. These actions put pressure on the company, demanding that the land be handed over to the locality so that the subjects could freely produce and transfer it.

Meanwhile, the area managed by Nam Tay Nguyen Company is quite large and spread across many localities. The financial resources of the unit are still limited while the investment cost for the garden in the basic construction phase is large, requiring a long time to take care of...

The implementation of the combined agriculture and forestry model in the Southern Central Highlands initially faced many difficulties and challenges.

Faced with practical difficulties, Nam Tay Nguyen Company has gradually resolved them, determined to implement the choices it has made. The first solution comes from propaganda and mobilization work.

Nam Tay Nguyen Company has combined direct and indirect forms of propaganda to help people living near the forest understand the combined agricultural and forestry model. The company clearly explains the benefits of contracting and linking options, ensuring transparency about the rights of people when participating.

Chairman and Director of Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. Nguyen Ngoc Binh informed about the benefits of the parties when implementing the combined agriculture and forestry model.

The company has sought the help of the government and relevant organizations. Nam Tay Nguyen Company has sought the support of local authorities, border guards and forest rangers to resolve disputes and build trust with the people.

The contract and association plan with the people is implemented very flexibly. Nam Tay Nguyen Company applies the form of investment association with households that are not subject to contract, helping them to still be able to participate in legal forest planting.

For long-term cultivated areas, Nam Tay Nguyen Company proposes to maintain the status quo to cooperate with people throughout the crop cycle.

People actively participate with Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. in implementing the combined agriculture and forestry model.

The technical and material support for the people has been given great attention by Nam Tay Nguyen Company. The company provides quality seeds, technical guidance on planting and caring for trees to minimize damage caused by adverse weather, and improve the efficiency of afforestation.

From 2018 to September 2024, Nam Tay Nguyen Company has successfully developed and implemented 14 forest planting plans in two main forms: contracting according to Decree 168 and forest planting association. The result is 708.61 hectares of new forest planted, with the participation of 280 households and one organization.

The bare hills in the management area of Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. are gradually being covered with green.

The main crops include cashew, rubber, and macadamia, contributing to greening vacant land and improving local forest cover. Some areas have begun to be harvested, bringing economic value to people and businesses.

By the end of 2024, revenue from the project will reach more than 478 million VND, contributing to improving household income and increasing revenue growth of Nam Tay Nguyen Company.

Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Co., Ltd. rewards individuals with many contributions in implementing the combined agricultural and forestry model.

On the social side, the model has solved legal land for production for more than 280 households, most of whom are ethnic minorities. This helps raise awareness of the law, reduce conflicts and create stability in security and order in the area.

In addition, violations of forestry laws in the company's management area have decreased significantly, contributing to the protection of the remaining natural forest area.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan (pointing) visits the combined agriculture and forestry model at the Southern Central Highlands Forestry One Member Co., Ltd.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh shared: The combined agriculture and forestry option is a suitable choice for practical forest management and development in many units and localities.

Implementing this plan is a difficult journey, requiring initiative, flexibility and high determination.

According to the People's Committee of Dak Nong province, the combined agriculture and forestry planting plan of Nam Tay Nguyen Company is a typical example of creativity in forest management and development in the locality.

This is not only a lesson for the company but also a promising direction for other businesses in protecting and developing sustainable forests.

Le Phuoc