Xa Thi Pang's family in Na Muoi hamlet, Muong Chieng commune (Da Bac district) becomes better-off thanks to engaging in indigenous pig farming model. 

Bui Van Huong, Vice Chairman of Muong Chieng commune People's Committee, said that in an effort to reduce poverty, the commune has strengthened communication work and advised locals to use plants and breeds that are acclimatised to local conditions for production. Specifically, locals are encouraged to develop rice variety J02 and raise indigenous pigs. 

Taking advantage of investment and poverty reduction policies, it focuses on upgrading infrastructure and roads to serve production, facilitate trade of goods, thereby promoting local socio-economic development, he added. 

To achieve sustainable economic development, Muong Chieng commune encouraged locals to change their mindset, adopt advanced agricultural practices, apply scientific and technical advances, and explore markets for their products. 

Currently, the commune has 190ha under rice cultivation, along with 220ha of cassava, and 14ha of vegetables. It has grown 70ha of new forests since 2023. 

Livestock farming remains stable with over 1,500 cows and buffaloes, more than 2,100 pigs, 630 goats, and 11,540 poultry. The indigenous black pigs of Muong Chieng commune have long established a reputation in the market for their delicious and high-quality meat, with an average selling price of 90,000 - 100,000 VND (3.52-3.93 USD) per kg. 

Xa Thi Pang, who lives in Na Muoi hamlet, said that her family used to face many economic difficulties. With the commune's support, she participated in training classes on animal husbandry and decided to start breeding indigenous pigs. 

Currently, her family raises 14 pigs and grows 1ha of acacia. The family’s income has improved and is no longer a poor household. 

J02 is a rice variety originating from Japan which was selected by the Agricultural Genetics Institute as it suits local climate and soil condition, with an average yield of 5 tonnes per hectare. 

This type of rice is of high quality and fragrance, thus attracting many customers both near and far with an average selling price of 20,000 VND per kg. The commune is building the trademark for rice variety J02 Da Bac, creating a distinctive local specialty and increasing the value of agricultural products. 

Muong Chieng also has 15ha under gai xanh (Boehmeria nivea L.Gaud) cultivation. This crop has proven to be suitable for local conditions, providing stable income for farmers as this plant can be harvested within 50 - 60 days after being planted and market outlet is secured. 

Thanks to supportive policies and social investment, the commune has focused on investing in road construction, irrigation works, and public works to serve socio-economic development, accelerating the progress of building new-style rural areas. All commune roads and over 80% of hamlet roads have been asphalted, facilitating the movement of people.