The soldiers who sell organic vegetables

How green is my garden?: Soldiers from Battalion 10, 367 Division, soldiers are trained to grow their own crops as well as military skills, much to the delight of local residents. The barrow boys: Vegetables on offer to local people include mustards, water morning glory and amaranth. — Photos Van Minh

Catching sight of two soldiers, a woman calls them over and orders: "Give me two mustard greens, as usual."

The small wheelbarrow stops, a soldier hands over the vegetables to the woman and takes the VND6,000 she offers.

Those living and passing by the Hoang Hoa Tham and Cong Hoa crossroad in HCM City's Tan Binh District have grown familiar with the two young soldiers selling vegetables, cultivated by themselves and their comrades, at 4pm daily.

Vegetables on offer include mustards, water morning glory and amaranth, all sell out after about half an hour's walk from their 367 Division base on Hoang Hoa Tham Street.

"I can assure you that the vegetables grown by the soldiers are clean and cheap," said Nguyen Thi Huyen, a Hoc Mon District resident, who always buys a bag of greens without trying to bargain.

Although the vegetables might not look as swanky as those sold in the market, it is believed that they do not contain any chemical substances or fertiliser."

According to a Battalion 10, 367 Division official, soldiers are trained to grow their own crops alongside their military skills.

"This year we harvested a surplus yield, some of which, after sharing with other units, we manage to sell to local people at cheap prices," the official added, confirming that no chemicals or pesticides were used in production.

Customers mostly include state workers, white-collar worker, xe om drivers and housewives.

"Buying vegetables from the soldiers everyday has become some what of a habit," said Nguyen Minh Phong, from District 12.

Retired Tran Hai said he waited for the wheelbarrow every afternoon instead of going to the market to support the soldiers and provide his family with fresh produce.

"I've been one of their customers right from the start. They provide fresh vegetables at reasonable prices," Hai said.

Additional customers also include former soldiers.

"Watching them reminds me of my time as a soldier. Although I'm not in charge of buying food, I would like to support them," said construction engineer Nguyen Van Thang, from Hoc Mon District.

Some who have come to know about the soldiers' 'shop' have even written about them on the internet.

"Their meaningful persuit should be respected and spread. They do it for the people," Nguyen Anh Kiet wrote on vnexpress.net.

Dao Tung, in agreement, wrote: "Against soaring prices, they sell a bunch of vegetables for only VND3,000. I would like to thank the soldiers for helping people reduce their daily expenses."

"If they could open more 'shops' near the Song Than and other industrial zones, it would be great seeing as there are many low-income workers living in the area."

"I see them everyday on my way home from school. I think it's a great idea worthy of support. It would be awesome if other military units could follow suit and create their own trademarks of vegetables," posted student Nguyen, suggesting that soldiers use paper instead of plastic bags to protect the environment.

Meanwhile, a man named Quang said that he found the image of soldiers selling vegetables beautiful, while BeleRich posted that if this type of 'shop' opened in Ha Noi, he promised to become a regular customer.

The wheelbarrow often empties out at the speed of light.

"We sell around 100 bunches at VND3,000 each, making roughly VND300,000 (US$15) a day for the unit," said First Class Private Le Nhat Nam.

Private Nguyen Trung Hieu said, "I've been in charge of selling vegetables since my first day on the unit. The money we make is pooled together and divided equally among soldiers during the Tet lunar New Year." — VNS