"Awakening" raw material areas through the leverage of the processing industry.

Leveraging its abundant natural resources, Dong Cuong commune in Lao Cai province is making a strong breakthrough through a strategy of developing processing industries linked to local raw material sources. This policy helps stabilize the output of agricultural products, while changing the production mindset of the people and creating momentum for sustainable local economic development.

Unlocking potential from existing advantages

With a natural area of ​​146.3 km², Dong Cuong commune is blessed with diverse hilly and mountainous terrain, dissected by the Red River, Hut stream, and a system of small streams, creating a rich hydrological network. The tropical monsoon climate and high humidity year-round have made this area favorable for the development of agriculture and forestry, especially intensive cultivation of fruit trees and timber.

Recognizing this potential, Dong Cuong has focused on planning large-scale raw material areas in recent years. To date, the commune's agricultural landscape has taken shape: a 1,070-hectare cassava growing area; a 3,887-hectare cinnamon growing area – the "golden tree" of the Dao and Tay ethnic groups (of which 175 hectares are planned for organic farming); a 120-hectare bamboo shoot growing area; and a 30-hectare high-quality rice growing area.

Farmers in Dong Cuong commune are harvesting cassava.

The figures demonstrate the vitality of the Dong Cuong raw material area: the output of harvested timber from planted forests reached 10,344 m³ ^; cinnamon bark reached 840 tons; and cinnamon branches and leaves reached 2,230 tons annually. This provides a solid foundation for the locality to confidently attract investors into the processing sector.

The boost from the processing industry.

Previously, the problem of "bumper harvests leading to low prices" and the worry of agricultural products being subjected to price manipulation due to long-distance transportation were always a burden for farmers. Now, this problem is gradually being resolved in Dong Cuong thanks to factories located right in the raw material area.

The entire commune currently has 21 establishments and businesses processing agricultural and forestry products. A highlight is the factories engaged in deep processing, such as cassava starch and cinnamon essential oil. Although the proportion of deep processing facilities is only about 5% compared to those engaged in rough processing, this is a positive sign indicating the local area's shift in the right direction.

Cassava starch production at Van Yen Cassava Factory.

To create space for development, Dong Cuong is accelerating the completion of infrastructure at two key industrial clusters: Bac Van Yen Industrial Cluster (55 ha) and Dong An Industrial Cluster (34 ha). At the same time, the commune is also in the process of planning a 350-hectare industrial zone. The commune government has demonstrated decisiveness in land clearance and supporting land procedures to help businesses quickly stabilize production.

The synergy between local raw material sources and processing plants has helped minimize waste. For example, cinnamon trees, where branches and leaves were previously discarded or burned, now have two essential oil processing plants located in the area (producing 105 tons/year), allowing all by-products to be collected, providing a significant source of income for the local people.

Change your mindset, elevate your value.

The greatest impact of the processing industry lies not only in the growth figures, but also in the shift in people's economic mindset. From small-scale, self-sufficient production, the people of Dong Cuong now know how to do business on a larger scale, calculating the economic efficiency of each square meter of land.

Production and processing of cinnamon bark in Dong Cuong commune.

Mr. Le Thanh Hung, Chairman of the Dong Cuong Commune People's Committee, said that, given the commune's characteristics as primarily an agricultural and forestry-based production area, the appearance of processing plants has changed the mindset of the people. Previously, production and cultivation were mainly for family consumption, but now they have shifted towards commercial production, calculating economic efficiency on the same land area. For example, with bamboo shoots, people used to only plant a few clumps for personal consumption, but now they utilize all available land to grow them for sale to the cooperative. Similarly, with cassava, from low-yield local varieties used for livestock feed, people have now switched to growing high-yield cassava to supply the factories.

This shift in mindset has yielded positive results. Factories and cooperatives in the area have provided stable employment for over 400 local workers, with an average income of 8-15 million VND per person per month. This is a dream income for many rural workers, making a significant contribution to the commune's goal of sustainable poverty reduction.

We will not sacrifice the environment for rapid growth.

Industrial development, especially the processing of cassava starch and essential oils, often poses a risk of environmental pollution (smoke, dust, wastewater). Recognizing this, the Dong Cuong commune government has established a strict monitoring mechanism and is determined to eliminate polluting projects.

The commune leaders affirmed that all projects, upon establishment, must have approved environmental dossiers and comply with the 2020 Environmental Protection Law. Post-project inspections are carried out regularly in coordination with specialized agencies of the province. In particular, the commune maintains unannounced inspections, taking wastewater and exhaust gas samples for comparison with national technical standards immediately upon receiving complaints from residents.

These manufacturing and processing facilities provide employment for many local workers.

Mr. Le Thanh Hung, Chairman of the Dong Cuong Commune People's Committee, affirmed that the government considers the people as crucial eyes and ears in environmental protection, maintaining channels for receiving feedback via telephone and written complaints. The commune is committed to not sacrificing the living environment and health of its people for economic gain. If violations are detected, administrative penalties will be imposed according to regulations, and the establishment will be required to temporarily cease operations to thoroughly rectify the situation.

Information transparency is emphasized when cases of violations and the measures taken are publicly disclosed on the commune's website, creating consensus and a mechanism for cross-monitoring within the community.

Aspiration to reach further

Entering a new term, Dong Cuong aims to make the processing industry its main economic spearhead, striving for a strong breakthrough and deep participation in the global value chain.

The commune's strategy for the coming period focuses on effectively exploiting the Bac Van Yen and Dong An industrial clusters, while attracting high-tech and clean technology projects to increase added value and meet export standards.

The "four-party" linkage (State - Farmers - Scientists - Businesses) continues to be strengthened. The commune government is committed to supporting businesses from land clearance to resolving operational obstacles, and promoting administrative reforms to create a favorable investment environment. Simultaneously, the commune focuses on training local human resources to meet the technical labor needs of new factories.

With a well-planned roadmap, innovative thinking, and decisive action from the local government, Dong Cuong is changing day by day. The cinnamon hills and vast forests are not only the green of the forest, but also the green of hope and prosperity present in every home, promising a vibrant Dong Cuong alongside the Red River.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/danh-thuc-vung-nguyen-lieu-bang-don-bay-cong-nghiep-che-bien-post888447.html