In the field of agriculture, with a focus on solving the food problem, Ha Nam concentrated its sources to complete the irrigation system, cooperative reorganization, expansion of crop production, livestock development, application of advanced science and technologies for intensive cultivation. In 1978, hundreds of cooperatives in the province achieved 5 tons of rice/ha, the districts provided thousands of tons of food to the State. The industry and handicraft maintain the growth rates in terms of both quantity and quality. The school education developed rapidly and consistently. Information and cultural, health and sports activities are expanded and intensified.
In February 1979, the northern border war directly affected the socio-economic situation of the country in general and Ha Nam in particular. Again, Ha Nam people joined the army to fight against the enemies. Military enrollments were in excess of the plan, every one followed the militarized lifestyle. The local armed forces were trained with the national security and defense plan in consistence with the situation of combat readiness and combat service.
In the early 80s, Ha Nam together with the whole country implemented the third five-year plan in the context that the world was facing with numerous fluctuations. There was a shortage for raw materials and food, price instability, inflation at galloping speed in addition to the difficulties caused by natural disasters. Directive No. 100/CT/TW dated January 13, 1981 was an effective method to actively promote the innovations in the production and distribution, supporting the agriculture to overcome stagnation.
From 1981 to 1985, the coefficient of land use increased from 1.5 times to 1.76 times. The food production was higher from the previous year. The handicraft and industry during this period basically ensured the employment for workers. However, the localities focused on the export and import of such goods as jutes, peanuts, garlics, sesames. The education was always maintained and actively changed in accordance with the education reform goals. The campaign of five goals on health was maintained and strengthened. The combination between traditional medicine with western medicine in health check and treatment was effectively implemented. The activities of culture and information, literature and arts, radio and broadcasting, and newspaper publishing improved in a positive direction in terms of innovation of the facilities, responsiveness to new ideas in order to meet the local political tasks.
In 1986, Ha Nam began the renovation process, focusing mechanism bureaucracy was removed to create favorable conditions for economic development of diversified components. The economic structure and investment structure shifted towards focusing on four socio-economic programs. The cultural - social, scientific, technical, medical activities were accelerated. The agriculture increased significantly, the handicraft and industry was much at fault in the transition period, however, there were positive changes. Non-state economic development initially attracted many workers. The banking and financial activities initially converted under the new regime.
At the end of 1996, the total agricultural output value of Ha Nam reached VND 960.84 billion, of which food production reached 319.435 tons. The average food output reached 402 kg/person. Besides rice, other crops , such as corn, beans, peanuts... also grew strongly. Cattle and poultry increased from 3 to 5% per year. The water surface area was fully utilized for aquaculture. Flood prevention was paid due attention: thousands of bamboo trees were planted to protect the dykes, millions of cubic meters of soil were dug up and dredged, tens of thousands of cubic meters of rocks were used for covering the canals, embankments and slope.
In the field of industrial and handicraft production from 1991 to 1996, despite difficulties in shortage of raw materials and supplies, etc., certain industrial products and handicrafts such as Thanh Ha embroidery, Kien Khe stone, An Do chop sticks, Ngoc Dong rattan, Dai Thanh woven fiber, etc. became more and more reputed.
The industrial production value reached VND 286.75 billion in 1996, the central industry reached VND 19.11 billion, the local industry reached VND 267.64 billion. Nine private enterprises were established, attracting nearly 400 workers.
