VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Intellectual Property Department has awarded a patent to a Mekong Delta farmer for a mud dredger that he invented.

Tran Van Dung, a 51-year-old resident of Ngu Lac commune, Duyen Hai District, first attempted to build the dredger in 2000 to help farmers dig shrimp-breeding ponds in the Cuu Long ( Mekong ) Delta.

For three years, however, he toiled in vain and ended up in debt. But in late 2003, Dung’s efforts finally paid off, winning him some fame. The machine was able to dredge 20 cu.m of mud per hour.

In 2004, the Government awarded him a Labour Order third class, granted by President Tran Duc Luong.

Since then, the dredger has been selling well in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, says Lam Van Quang, director of Tra Vinh Department of Science and Technology.

Dung’s mud dredger sells for 17 million VND (1.070 USD).

(Source: VNA)