Joy across the border

QTO - At the end of July 2025, the Department of Agriculture and Environment coordinated with the Border Guard Command of Quang Tri province to hand over more than 1,500 bamboo seedlings to the people of Laos in Noong Ma village cluster, Bua La Pha district, Kham Muon province. The support of plant varieties and production techniques not only contributes to improving the livelihoods of people in the border area but also demonstrates the responsibility, affection and long-term connection between the two localities as well as the traditional friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the Border Guard of Quang Tri province instruct people on bamboo planting techniques - Photo: XP

Friendship Bus

In July, the weather in the lowlands is hot and humid, with some days as hot as fire. But the further you go to the western border, bordering Bua La Pha district, the more it rains all day long.

The border area was in the rainy season, passing through Ca Roong border gate (Thuong Trach commune), the dirt road to Noong Ma village cluster became even more muddy and muddy. The dump truck loaded with bamboo roots like Dien Truc slowly moved forward, each section of the road.

We wondered and asked Ms. Nga, an officer of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, why the dry season was not chosen for the handover? It turned out that this season on the other side of the border is suitable for planting bamboo, a type of tree suitable for humid tropical climates, capable of growing well on hilly land, with few pests and diseases, and providing stable bamboo shoot yields.

It was determined in advance that the trip would be difficult due to weather conditions, roads, and the specialized vehicles of the working group getting stuck in the mud, requiring a tow truck. Despite the hardship, when the bamboo seedlings were delivered to the people in the Noong Ma hamlet, everyone felt relieved, because they could feel the joy clearly on each face.

Mr. Nguyen Song Toan, Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Digital Transformation, Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province, said that the implementation process encountered many difficulties, but thanks to the close coordination between the department and the Border Guard Command, from determining the list of households, explaining the model, supporting information and interpretation to organizing technical training sessions, field surveys, and transportation, everything went smoothly and thoughtfully.

Border joy

Receiving news that the delegation was going to cross the border to deliver seedlings, despite the drizzling weather, the people in Noong Ma village gathered early. When the convoy arrived, groups of young people and border guards quickly unloaded the goods.

Deputy Head of Noong Ma Voi village cluster Khan Tha Lim shared: “Our people’s lives are still difficult, mainly relying on agriculture. Introducing the Dien Truc bamboo variety, a plant that has both economic value and helps protect the environment and improve long-term livelihoods, will open up a direction for sustainable development, create more jobs, increase income and improve the lives of the people.”

Having just received the seedlings, Mr. Kham Ket, from Noong Ma village, attentively watched the technical staff of the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the Border Guard of Quang Tri province instruct on planting techniques, from how to dig holes to how to care for the trees. Mr. Kham Ket and the people also received pre-prepared Lao-language instruction leaflets.

Mr. Kham Ket expressed: “We are very touched and grateful to the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the Border Guard Command of Quang Tri province for their care and support for the people. We pledge to use the right seeds for the right purposes, plant and care according to technical instructions, and share our experiences so that the model can be replicated.”

The implementation of the bamboo planting support model in Noong Ma village cluster is an activity of special significance in the context of enhancing development cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. This is a vivid continuation of the traditional friendship and special solidarity between the two countries.

Lieutenant Colonel Ho Phu Vinh, Deputy Political Commissar, Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard Command, said that the coordination in implementing this model is one of the clear evidences for people's border diplomacy, both supporting socio-economic development in border areas and strengthening the friendly relationship between the people of the two sides.

Over the years, all levels and sectors of Quang Tri province have always paid attention to and created all conditions to support and cooperate with the authorities and people of the border provinces of Laos, thereby contributing to fostering the friendship and special solidarity between the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos to be forever green and sustainable.

Xuan Phu-Bien Cuong

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202508/niem-vuiben-kia-bien-gioi-49d69c2/