Increase the value of Loc Binh sweet potatoes

Sweet potato wine products of Loc Binh Green Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative contribute to increasing the value of Loc Binh sweet potatoes.

Loc Binh sweet potato is one of the famous agricultural products of the province. Since 2018, the product has been granted a collective trademark protection certificate "Loc Binh sweet potato" by the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Science and Technology .

To increase the value of products, one of the solutions implemented by all levels and sectors is to improve product quality. Accordingly, from 2020 to now, specialized agencies and authorities of sweet potato growing communes have supported people to implement the model of planting and caring for sweet potatoes according to VietGAP standards. Currently, the whole province has over 400 hectares of Loc Binh sweet potatoes, of which about 50 hectares are produced according to VietGAP standards.

Mr. Loc Van Do, Vice Chairman of Khuat Xa Commune People's Committee, said: Since 2020, the VietGAP sweet potato growing model has been deployed in the commune. Currently, the whole commune has about 20 hectares of VietGAP sweet potato. The process of implementing the model shows that the yield is about 18 - 20 tons/ha, 3 - 3.6 tons/ha higher than before implementation. Currently, VietGAP sweet potatoes are sold on the market at prices ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 VND/kg (wholesale) and from 15,000 to 20,000 VND/kg (retail), 2,000 to 3,000 VND/kg higher than regular sweet potatoes. From the effectiveness of the model, the commune government has continued to promote and encourage people to maintain and expand the model.

As one of the households participating in the model, Mr. Ly Van Meo, Ban Chu A village, Khuat Xa commune, said: From 2023 to now, my family has participated in the VietGAP sweet potato growing model with an area of nearly 2 hectares. We have participated in training courses, guided on the process, techniques of planting and caring for sweet potatoes; supported with organic fertilizers... After the planting and harvesting process, I noticed that the yield and quality of sweet potatoes have increased significantly; the price of VietGAP sweet potatoes is also higher. Currently, my family is entering the potato harvest season, with an expected yield of nearly 2 tons, and the economic value is estimated at over 20 million VND.

In addition to improving the quality and value of products through the VietGAP model, a number of establishments and cooperatives in the province have joined together to purchase and process Loc Binh sweet potatoes into products for long-term preservation. These include sweet potato wine products (3-star OCOP) of Loc Binh Green Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative; dried sweet potato products of Toan Thuong Agricultural Products Cooperative...

Mr. Ma Van Bang, Director of Loc Binh Green Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative, Loc Binh Commune, said: Since June 2023, the Cooperative has researched, produced and launched Loc Binh sweet potato wine products to the market. After that, the Cooperative continued to invest in developing product brands by registering to participate in the OCOP program and designing packaging, labels, and traceability stamps... By the end of 2023, the Cooperative's Loc Binh sweet potato wine product was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. From 2023 to now, the Cooperative has purchased over 2 tons of sweet potatoes from people to produce wine and sell over 1,500 liters/year to the market. Currently, the Cooperative is researching and investing in building cold storage to better preserve sweet potatoes in order to increase wine production productivity.

Mr. Pham Tuyen, Head of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development, Department of Agriculture and Environment, said: Loc Binh sweet potato is a typical agricultural product of the province. Therefore, improving product quality and promoting preliminary processing, processing, and product diversification have contributed to increasing product value, opening up a direction for sustainable development. In the coming time, the department will continue to advise the department to organize training on knowledge on ensuring food hygiene and safety and guide cooperatives and production facilities to research and process more products from Loc Binh sweet potato; at the same time, increase support for connecting, promoting, and introducing products processed from sweet potatoes in events, exhibitions, etc. inside and outside the province.

It can be seen that improving the quality and investing in preliminary processing and deep processing of Loc Binh sweet potatoes has brought about practical results, not only contributing to increasing the value of the product but also contributing to the development and bringing the local agricultural product brand to the market.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/nang-gia-tri-khoai-lang-loc-binh-5064247.html