Farming & Animal Husbandry in Tha Village

Farming & Animal Husbandry in Bản Tha

Farming and animal husbandry play a crucial role in the daily lives of the Tày people in Bản Tha, providing both sustenance and economic stability. These traditional practices have been passed down through generations, maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature while ensuring food security for the local community.

Crop Cultivation

Agriculture in Bản Tha revolves around wet rice farming, which is the staple food of the Tày people. The village is surrounded by lush rice paddies, where farmers cultivate two rice crops per year using traditional methods, including manual plowing with buffaloes and organic fertilization. In addition to rice, they also grow corn, beans, sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables.

Terrace farming is practiced on hillsides to maximize land use, especially for crops that require well-drained soil. Villagers also plant bamboo, fruit trees, and medicinal herbs, which contribute to both household consumption and local trade.

Livestock Rearing

Animal husbandry is an integral part of village life. Households commonly raise buffaloes, cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks.

• Buffaloes and cows are mainly used for plowing fields and transporting goods, but they are also a source of meat and income.
• Pigs and poultry are raised using free-range methods, feeding on natural vegetation and agricultural by-products.
• Ducks and fish are often kept in small ponds near homes, further supporting food security.

Sustainable Practices & Community Involvement

The people of Bản Tha follow eco-friendly farming methods, relying on natural fertilizers like compost and manure rather than chemical inputs. They practice crop rotation and intercropping to maintain soil fertility and prevent pests. Livestock waste is also recycled into organic fertilizer, ensuring a sustainable agricultural cycle.

Farming and animal husbandry are not just economic activities but also serve as a cultural identity of the Tày people. Many families engage in community-based farming, where neighbors help each other during planting and harvesting seasons.

Visitors to Bản Tha can experience hands-on farming activities, such as planting rice, feeding animals, or learning traditional farming techniques, offering an authentic insight into rural life in northern Vietnam.