Growing Mushrooms Helps Bomb, Mine Victims Escape Poverty

1000 Quang Tri families suffering from post-war bombs and mines now have a stable life thanks to a project on growing mushrooms in Cam Lo and Trieu Phong districts. In Quang Tri, 80 percent of land area is contaminated by wartime bombs and landmines, and the province has the highest number of victims of bombs and mines (7,086 victims) nationwide. The project “Mission of mushroom” funded the Japan Government, valued at $120,000, has opened up a new life for poor victims of bombs and mines. The project is expected to develop sustainably for 5 or 6 years, from August 2012, then be transferred to local authorities to operate and manage. The mushroom was considered a “new hope” by many poor victims of post-war bombs and mines in Quang Tri. Previously, their families lived in difficult circumstances. They have to work all day, from early morning to twilight, but their families are still poor. They said that growing mushrooms not only brings them higher income, but also makes their life easier. Dr. Ta Nhan Ai, an official of Quang Tri Department of Science and Technology, technical manager of the project, said that the program was designed specifically to support families with difficult economic conditions, including victims of bombs and mines. The families growing mushrooms are supported in the best way by Vietnamese and Japanese experts. Therefore, the program will help the families set up their farms, providing tools, equipment and mushroom bags of high quality. Ai added that the experts would set up a laboratory to research and breed mushrooms which could be suitable for the climate of Quang Tri. The program also reached an agreement with the farmers that the products would be collected, preserved and processed after harvesting to ensure the best conditions and benefit for farmers. He also said that the project helps poor families suffering from bombs and mines left by the war step by step change their life. Mushroom products sell well, so victims of bombs and mines have a stable income and their life is better since they joined the project. Mr. Hideo Suzuki, representative of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, said that Japan provided the necessary tools for those who are disabled to grow mushrooms and present mushroom products to the market to help improve their lives and ensure education and a better future for their children. (Quan Doi Nhan Dan – People’s Army April 8)