In his spacious home in Trung Kien Ward, Thot Not District, Can Tho, Ho Ba Phieu (also known as Ba Khem, 52 years old) proudly displays certificates of recognition from the Prime Minister and the Vietnam Farmers’ Association. Twice awarded as an "Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer," he has become a symbol of success and generosity.

Born into a farming family, Phieu started his independent life with just 3,000 square meters of inherited farmland. Despite working tirelessly on his rice fields, his income was low, forcing him to take on additional jobs as a construction worker and straw mushroom grower.

“I watched my parents cultivate dozens of hectares for years, yet they only earned enough to get by. I wondered - how could I ever escape poverty with just three hectares?” Phieu recalled.

Determined to change his fate, Phieu seized an opportunity in 1998 when he attended a rice seed production workshop at the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute. Inspired by what he learned, he returned home and became a pioneer in producing high-quality rice seeds, starting with Jasmine 85 and IR504.

“My first harvest was more successful than I had imagined,” he said. Encouraged, he expanded his operations by renting more land. However, his second crop faced setbacks due to pests, causing significant losses.

Undeterred, Phieu sought advice from agricultural engineers, learning how to monitor weather patterns, control diseases, and adapt to market demands. In his third season, he made a bold move - selling his wife’s wedding gold to rent two additional hectares. That risk paid off, as his seed rice sold rapidly, earning him substantial profits.

By the early 2000s, his reputation grew, and his seed rice reached markets in An Giang, Hau Giang, and Vinh Long. Recognizing the need for expansion, he began partnering with local farmers, providing them with technical guidance and quality control support.

Today, Phieu oversees a 100-hectare seed rice production operation, with 15 hectares owned by his family and 85 hectares cultivated through farmer collaborations. His facility, covering 4,000 square meters, includes four drying kilns and two seed processing machines, ensuring high-quality output for distribution across multiple provinces.

Phieu’s business provides stable jobs for more than 50 workers, with monthly salaries ranging from $275 to $590. In addition to employment, he supports farmers by offering interest-free seed rice loans and technical assistance.

A passion for apricot trees and community support

Beyond rice farming, Phieu has another passion - cultivating apricot trees. His garden boasts 200 ornamental Mai Chieu Thuy trees, valued between $200 and $80,000 per tree, and 200 golden apricot trees, some worth up to $100,000.

More than just a businessman, Phieu is a philanthropist at heart. Each year, he donates 10% of his profits to social welfare initiatives. He funds scholarships, builds rural roads, and supports the “Farmer’s Shelter” housing program.

"Having experienced hardship myself, I understand the struggles of farmers. That’s why I want to give back, ensuring that those in need receive support," Phieu said.

Thanks to his efforts, many disadvantaged families have received assistance, from essential supplies to interest-free loans that help them start their own agricultural ventures.

Phieu’s story is not just about personal success but about uplifting an entire community - one seed at a time.

Hoai Thanh