Agriculture entrepreneurs - start-ups full of passion

LÀO CAI — Without leaving their hometown, many young people in northern mountainous Lào Cai Province are establishing successful businesses at their place of birth.

Nguyễn Văn Tú, taking care of chickens on his farm. — VNA/VNS Photo

They hope that their efforts will be an example for others to follow and create a better life.

Nguyễn Văn Tú of Bông Village, Xuân Quang Commune, Bảo Thắng District wasn't exactly what you would call an entrepreneur in the past.

But he has overcome his fears and started his own business of mixed farming, that has not only brought him wealth, but also inspired people around him. 

Born and raised in a poor family, Tú soon realised that he had to work and live on his own. After graduating from high school, Tú hustled to make a living from job to job.

With the capital he earned, plus the practical experience he gained raising livestock, in 2015 he decided to go home to develop his mixed farm model. His family initially did not support him, advised him instead to look for a normal job, but Tú did not waiver.

Tú said: "My family gave many possible situations should I fail, but for me, youth is about trial and error, and everything is possible.

"Failure for me is an option that I accept, in exchange for the valuable experiences."

Realising his son's ambitions, his father eventually supported his son to establish his career in the family's 11-hectares field.

Tú's chicken farm is located towering on the hill of Bông village, where Tú currently raises 20,000 chickens. Starting with his own savings and money from family, plus VNĐ500 million (US$21,900) borrowed from Agribank Bảo Thắng, he boldly implemented a small-scale model of raising 2,000 hill chickens.

He said: "I was learning while working, from veterinary experience to the market, and later expanding my business, ensuring the quality of supply."

Tú built an automatic feeding system so that the efforts put into feeding the livestock is minimal. He also vaccinated 100 per cent of his chickens, as well as cleaned stalls and sterilised the areas.

As his barn is isolated from the urban area, his chickens did not develop illnesses. From his first chicken litter that made him VNĐ40 million, now he earns between VNĐ500-700 million annually from selling chickens and their produce.

Another great source of income for the farm is cinnamon. Before growing cinnamon, Tú and his family grew corn, but he soon realised that his corn fields were not productive. Having researched cinnamon, he finds that they are easy to plant and grow, and have great value. He turned 10 hectares of his plantation to grow the spice that earns him VNĐ40 million per hectare annually.

Outside of chickens and cinnamon, Tú also raises fish and cattle. The farm has a combined revenue of VNĐ7-8 billion annually and generates work for 5-6 people in the area with a wage of up to VNĐ7 million per month.

“Agriculture entrepreneurs must be passionate, yes. But only passion is not enough," he said.

"Knowledge and perseverance to chase your dreams are critical for success.”

The 32-year-old entrepreneur, who recently donated 70 square metres of land for the road, is currently sharing his experiences with others.

“Many young people are leaving their hometown and stay in cities hoping for a big break, but after leaving home for so long, shouldn’t you bring that knowledge back to further develop your homeland?” Tú said.