Nguyen Quoc Viet (Photo: Huu Trai/ VOV)

Several years after working on his family’s farm, Viet got a bank loan and bought a harvester, which he hires out to neighboring farms for extra income. A decreasing workforce for farm work prompted Viet to turn to machines. He bought 2 more harvesters and a soil mixing machine to establish a rice harvesting group. Tran Huu Lam said his own income has risen since he started working for Viet: “The machines make the work much easier. We are very busy, especially during the harvest time. My income has grown”.

Viet also produces rice varieties for cultivation. In 2012, he set up a 5-member production group working on an area of 7 hectares. They have managed to create high-quality rice seeds that produce 8 tons of rice per hectare. Nguyen Quoc Viet said: “We apply advanced techniques to produce high-quality rice seeds. The local authorities encourage the establishment of more groups to expand the business to other areas”.

Viet’s production group quickly grew to 30 members and expanded its operation to 33 hectares of land. They have received many orders, some of them from other provinces.

Nguyen Hoai Phong, Secretary of My Thuan commune’s Youth Union, said Nguyen Quoc Viet is industrious and creative. From 4,000 square meters, Viet has expanded his farm land to 3 hectares and has generated jobs for 30 young local people. Viet has encouraged group members to put up 1,000 USD to help young locals start their own business. Mr. Phong said: “Viet has been successful in his business and has helped many others achieve a stable income”.

Ms. Nguyen Quynh Thu, Secretary of Vinh Long province’s Youth Union, said: “Viet is ambitious and determined and an active participant in social work in his locality. He is a great source of inspiration for our startup movement”.

Nguyen Quoc Viet received the Luong Dinh Cua award in 2015. The annual award, named after one of Vietnam’s greatest agronomists, honors outstanding young farmers across Vietnam.