Rural employment picks up during Tet

In the period before, during, and after the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, demand for employment in rural areas across Dong Nai Province has increased significantly. In particular, agricultural production, harvesting and processing of farm products, garden-based ecotourism, and household economic models have continued to prove effective.

The Four Seasons Flower Garden model run by Mr. Van Thanh Toan in Hamlet 6, Xuan Bac Commune provides regular employment for 10–15 local workers. Photo: An Nhon

Field observations in many localities show that, instead of leaving their hometowns to seek seasonal jobs in cities as in previous years, a considerable number of workers have chosen to stay and engage in local production and business models. This shift has helped stabilize livelihoods, reduce labor migration pressure, and foster rural economic development.

Jobs close to home, stable incomes

Every morning, after completing household chores, Nguyen Thi Hong An (resident of Quarter 2, Binh Loc Ward) arrives punctually at a mushroom spawn production facility just a few kilometers from her home at 7:30 a.m. Like many other women working there, she is tasked with mixing materials and packing mushroom spawn bags. The work is not physically strenuous but demands dexterity, meticulousness, and quick hands to ensure product quality.

She shared that in her younger years, she took on various temporary jobs in different places, but the work was unstable and the income unreliable. In 2006, as mushroom production began to thrive locally, she applied for a position at the spawn facility. Thanks to her diligence, perseverance, and sense of responsibility, she earned the trust of the facility owner and has held stable employment for the past 20 years.

The Tet mushroom season is the main crop of the year, prompting households to make significant investments in hopes of a good harvest and favorable prices so that workers can enjoy a more prosperous Lunar New Year. During this peak period, many mushroom spawn facilities operate at full capacity, providing steady jobs and higher incomes for local laborers. An said, "My output determines my pay; the more I work, the more I am paid. I make roughly VND 500,000 a day on average. This work is very convenient for taking care of my family because it is less demanding, stable, and close to home than many other jobs".

In addition to creating jobs for unskilled workers, many rural economic models in Dong Nai have also opened doors for disadvantaged individuals to improve their lives. One touching example is Dinh Thi Cam Tien (18, from Binh Loi Village, Da Kia Commune). Born with a physical disability affecting limb development, Tien has faced many difficulties with mobility and daily activities. After finishing Grade 9, she had to leave school due to health issues and difficult family circumstances. However, instead of giving up, Tien remains optimistic and continues to strive for self-reliance.

In October 2024, after learning about her situation, the owner of a nearby flower garden offered Tien a job and has since supported her in maintaining stable employment. Her daily tasks include caring for and advising customers, livestreaming sales, filming, and photographing products for social media - work well suited to her abilities and health condition.

"I truly enjoy this job because it provides me with a steady income to support my family and myself." In addition to hiring old and underprivileged individuals, the garden owner is incredibly compassionate. I want to stay here for the long haul because I feel valued", Tien said.

In reality, rural Dong Nai's commercial and production models have been crucial in boosting incomes, generating jobs, and maintaining social welfare. These initiatives provide a strong basis for long-term rural economic growth.

Creating stable employment

For more than five years, Van Thanh Toan's Four Seasons Flower Garden in Xuan Bac Commune has been a popular destination for visitors from both within and outside the province, especially during holidays and Tet. Covering an area of 1.5 hectares, the garden not only welcomes tourists and photography enthusiasts but also provides regular employment for 10-15 local workers, with daily wages ranging from VND 250,000 to over VND 300,000.

“We started preparing the flower garden more than three months ahead of Tet. Due to the heavy workload, we currently hire over 10 workers to care for the plants, water them, apply fertilizer, shape, and arrange the flowers. As of now, the garden is essentially complete and ready to welcome visitors from the first day of Tet,” Toan said.

In Dong Nai, many households have expanded beyond tourism-related models to diversify production and business activities, thereby increasing family income and creating local jobs. One such example is Le Thanh Trung, who lives in Quarter 4, Tan Trieu Ward. His family has maintained a stable income for years through more than two hectares of pomelo orchards, rice cultivation, beef cattle farming, and food service businesses. Notably, Trung also provides regular employment for several residents in the locality, including those in difficult circumstances.

 "I pay some employees fairly and provide them with housing and meals. Thanks to this, they have been able to overcome hardship, buy land, build houses, and ensure proper education for their children”, Trung said.

By An Nhon - Translated by Minh Hong, Minho