Born in 1972 in Thuận Phong hamlet, Hội Sơn commune, Mr. Ánh’s success is not a stroke of luck but the result of persistence, a strategy of “short-term gains for long-term growth,” and a commitment to continuous learning.
In late December 2025, he was among 34 outstanding individuals from Gia Lai Province selected to attend the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress in Hanoi.
* What led you to commit to the sandy, infertile land of Thuận Lợi hamlet—a place many considered unworkable?
- I come from a poor farming family with many siblings. As the eldest, I felt responsible for helping my family escape poverty. In Thuận Phong, farming is the main livelihood, but the land is depleted—flooded after the first rain and scorched by the first sun, so harvests are uncertain.
In 2005, when the government launched the program to reforest barren hills, I saw the abandoned land in Thuận Lợi hamlet as a wasted resource. I asked local authorities for permission to reclaim it and plant cashew trees. Many people doubted me when they saw me leveling hills and filling sand, but I believed the land could be transformed.
* Did the early reality confirm those doubts?
- The difficulties were immense. I initially reclaimed about three hectares, but the sandy soil was nutrient-poor, the climate harsh, and I lacked experience. The cashew yield was very low. Many nights I considered giving up, but I kept asking myself what would happen to my family if I did. That thought pushed me forward.
I joined training courses on crop conversion organized by the Farmers’ Association and discussed every decision with my wife. We were determined to build a livelihood in our hometown.
* How did your path to prosperity begin to take shape?
- Luck came when the local Farmers’ Association helped me secure a loan of 10 million VND (about USD 400) from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies. With that modest but vital capital, I bought a breeding cow and continued improving the land.
I followed the principle of “short-term gains for long-term growth.” While waiting for perennial crops to mature, I intercropped peanuts and cassava to generate income. I attended training courses, read newspapers, and sought out technical materials.
I later realized that success depended not only on the land, but also on plant varieties and cultivation methods. Seed-grown cashew trees produced unstable yields, so I cut down underperforming trees and switched to grafted varieties—sacrificing short-term income for long-term stability. Time proved that decision right.
* What is the current scale and performance of your farm?
- Today, the farm spans nearly 10 hectares, including 6.2 hectares of cashew and three hectares of hybrid acacia forest. Under the canopy, I raise around 20 hybrid cows—five of them breeding cows—along with about 300 free-range chickens and 50 laying hens. Since 2020, my annual profit has averaged 500–700 million VND (USD 20,000–28,000).
* Many cashew growers have struggled and switched crops. Why have you stayed with cashew?
- I believe cashew has strong potential on sandy, infertile land like that in Hội Sơn. With experience, high yields are achievable. For many years, my orchard has produced 2–2.5 tonnes per hectare annually.
Cashew trees are sensitive to weather, especially during flowering. Timely spraying, fertilising and watering are essential, as is early control of pests and diseases such as mosquito bugs that cause anthracnose. Farming cannot rely on habit or luck; it requires close monitoring.
* How did you feel being selected to attend the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress?
- I was deeply moved and proud. From a farmer working the fields year-round, I now stand among the nation’s exemplary individuals. It is recognition not only of my efforts, but also of my family’s support. With the honour comes responsibility to contribute more to my community and country.
* In your view, what is the most important factor in a farmer’s success?
- First, clear goals and perseverance. Second, a willingness to learn and apply scientific and technological advances.
In the era of Industry 4.0, farmers cannot rely solely on tradition. They must update their knowledge, manage finances carefully, plan for reinvestment, and protect the environment.
* What concerns you most at present?
- I hope for continued government attention to agriculture, farmers and rural areas, with practical support policies to help more farmers prosper legitimately.
Strong links among the State, farmers, scientists and businesses are essential to build sustainable production chains and avoid price collapses after bumper harvests. Better market forecasting and production planning are also needed to ensure stable incomes for farmers.
* Thank you very much!
The mark of a model farmer in the new era
Thanks to his success in production, farmer Nguyễn Xuân Ánh was named an Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer of 2022 by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union; awarded the Third-class Labor Order by the President in 2024; and received certificates of merit from the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commissions for his exemplary achievements in studying and following Hồ Chí Minh’s ideology, morality, and style. He is also one of 34 outstanding individuals from Gia Lai Province attending the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress at the end of December 2025.
Not only a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Ánh actively shares his experience, collaborates with agricultural extension officers to organize training courses at his farm, and supports disadvantaged households. Every year, he leads in charitable activities, contributing to the “Gratitude fund,” the Farmers’ Support Fund, and the construction of new rural areas…