Cao Bang is transforming thanks to the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program.

The One Commune One Product (OCOP) program has spread widely, affirming the correct direction of a rural economic development program, contributing to the effective and sustainable construction of new rural areas in the border province of Cao Bang.

OCOP affirms the position of products for producers.

Prior to 2020, due to limited awareness among many people, the implementation of the OCOP program in Cao Bang province faced numerous difficulties. However, thanks to the efforts of various departments and localities, the OCOP program has achieved many practical results, enabling many households to rise out of poverty and become wealthy in their own homeland.

Driven by her passion for farming and animal husbandry, Ms. Ma Thi Kim Oanh, from Giang Son hamlet, Minh Tam commune, Nguyen Binh district, began researching and raising local honey bees in 2018. Initially, she only tried raising over 30 hives, learning from experienced beekeepers as she went along. Each year, the number of hives gradually increased, and the annual honey yield also steadily rose.

Honey products are produced according to OCOP standards.

In 2021, Ms. Oanh's Doan Linh honey product achieved OCOP 3-star certification. Currently, Ms. Oanh's beekeeping facility sells 2,000-3,000 liters of honey annually, although the market remains primarily within the province. Besides production, Ms. Oanh's facility also collaborates with several other beekeeping households, guaranteeing the purchase of honey produced according to the facility's specific requirements, such as using the same bee species and flower types.

In 2024, the facility invested in a water content reduction machine to separate the water from the honey, ensuring that the water content in the honey is below 20% (without the machine, the average water content is 24-25%). This makes the honey thicker, prevents fermentation, makes it taste better, and helps preserve the honey for longer, Ms. Oanh added.

Achieving OCOP certification has helped Tan Viet A's cassava vermicelli product gain a foothold in the market and expand its production scale.

Like Ms. Ma Thi Kim Oanh's honey, many products from farmers in various localities of Cao Bang province have risen in prominence thanks to participation in the OCOP program. From fragmented, sporadic, and seasonal production, many households and cooperatives in the province have learned to produce goods in a linked chain, paying attention to design and quality to meet the increasingly high demands of the market.

Some notable OCOP products from Cao Bang province with large production capacity and stable consumption include: sausages and smoked meat (Tam Hoa Cooperative); Tan Viet A vermicelli (Tan Viet A Agricultural Products Cooperative); Huong Bao Lac sticky rice (668 Bao Lam Enterprise)... Some products are geared towards the export market, such as: black tea and green tea (Kolia Co., Ltd.) exported to China and Australia; bamboo mats and activated bamboo mats (668 Co., Ltd.) exported to Taiwan (China).

Kolia tea products are being exported to many countries in Asia.

Maintain the promotion of OCOP products.

To date, the province has 144 OCOP products from 91 entities, including 13 4-star OCOP products and 131 3-star products, belonging to 4 key product groups: food, beverages, handicrafts, community tourism services, ecotourism, and tourist destinations.

In 2024, the goal is to have 30 new OCOP products recognized with a 3-star rating or higher; support the completion of dossiers for upgrading one potential product to a 5-star rating. Develop four shopping points linked to a system of stores showcasing OCOP products and local specialties. Maintain and strengthen 100% of OCOP products that have been evaluated and classified…

Promoting OCOP products at trade fairs and exhibitions.

Mr. Nong Chi Kien, Head of the Rural Development Sub-Department of Cao Bang province, said: Since the implementation of the OCOP program, localities in the province have recognized the advantages and opportunities to exploit the value of OCOP products, thereby contributing to the transformation of production towards increasing scale and linking it with the value chain.

In the coming period, Cao Bang province will focus on promoting trade activities and connecting supply and demand for OCOP products through integrating OCOP booths into provincial programs and events. This includes participating in trade fairs and exhibitions to promote and introduce OCOP products in other provinces, cities, and internationally. The province will also support businesses in applying information technology and e-commerce to introduce, promote, and sell their products on e-commerce platforms.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/cao-bang-doi-thay-nho-ocop-10294870.html