Ngoc Chau bamboo shoots

Green bamboo shoots are a unique OCOP agricultural product of Ngoc Chau commune (Tan Yen district, Bac Giang province). From the difficult early days nearly 30 years ago, green bamboo shoots have become a specialty, providing stable income for the people, contributing to poverty reduction and building a brand for this region.

As early as 1995, the green bamboo variety was introduced for experimental cultivation in Ngoc Chau commune. However, after the project ended in 2004, this bamboo variety was almost forgotten. Only a few households, including the family of Ms. Duong Thi Luyen, maintained this valuable plant.

In 2018, Ms. Luyen established the Ngoc Chau Bamboo Shoot and Forestry Cooperative with eight members and over 20 hectares of cultivated land. To date, the cooperative has grown to over 50 members with incomes ranging from 9-15 million VND per person per month, cultivating over 50 hectares and linking over 120 hectares with local households for product distribution. Annual bamboo shoot production reaches over 1,000 tons, generating tens of billions of VND in revenue.

Mr. Phung Thanh Xuan, a farmer in Tan Trung village, said: "Since we started growing bamboo shoots, my family has earned hundreds of millions of dong each year. The technique for growing bamboo shoots is simple and doesn't require strict care, which is an advantage for many people to start their own business."

Bamboo shoots, produced according to organic standards and ensuring food safety, are distinguished by their elongated shape, white core, and richness in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have a crisp, slightly sweet taste, are non-toxic, and are suitable for use in various dishes such as salads, boiled dishes, stir-fries, pickled dishes, or dried dishes.

With its high yield and outstanding economic value, bamboo shoots have become a specialty product in Ngoc Chau commune and neighboring communes in Tan Yen district. According to statistics, each hectare of bamboo can yield 50-60 tons of shoots per year, with fresh shoots selling for between 60,000 and 120,000 VND/kg depending on the type. After deducting expenses, farmers can earn a profit of 500-600 million VND/hectare/year, higher than traditional crops such as rice or corn.

The local government places great emphasis on branding for bamboo shoots, considering it key to enhancing product value and expanding markets. In 2021, fresh bamboo shoots from the Ngoc Chau Forestry Bamboo Shoot Cooperative received a 4-star OCOP certification at the provincial level, a significant step in affirming quality.

By 2022, the product was recognized as a "National Organic Agricultural Product," creating a solid foundation for competing in domestic and international markets.

In the future, the development of bamboo shoots will be oriented towards three pillars: expanding markets, diversifying products, and improving quality; aiming for 5-star OCOP certification; investing in modern processing lines and exporting to countries such as Japan and South Korea; and developing tourism to experience the bamboo shoot harvest season to generate additional income and promote the brand. Local authorities are also committed to providing support, from expanding planting areas to applying technology in production.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/mang-luc-truc-ngoc-chau-post872731.html