Enhancing the value of Loc Binh sweet potatoes.

- Over the past period, specialized agencies, the authorities of Loc Binh sweet potato-growing communes, and production facilities and cooperatives in the province have focused on improving the productivity, quality, and value of Loc Binh sweet potatoes.

The sweet potato wine product of Loc Binh Green Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative contributes to increasing the value of Loc Binh sweet potatoes.

Loc Binh sweet potatoes are one of the province's famous agricultural products. Since 2018, the product has been granted a collective trademark protection certificate for "Loc Binh Sweet Potato" by the Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Science and Technology .

To increase the value of the product, one of the solutions implemented by all levels and sectors is to improve product quality. Accordingly, from 2020 to the present, specialized agencies and the authorities of sweet potato-growing communes have supported people in implementing sweet potato cultivation and care models according to VietGAP standards. Currently, the entire province has over 400 hectares of Loc Binh sweet potato cultivation, of which about 50 hectares are produced according to VietGAP standards.

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

As one of the households participating in the model, Mr. Ly Van Meo, from Ban Chu A village, Khuat Xa commune, said: "From 2023 to the present, my family has participated in the VietGAP sweet potato cultivation model with an area of ​​nearly 2 acres. We have participated in training courses and received guidance on the process and techniques of planting and caring for sweet potatoes; and received support with organic fertilizers... After planting and harvesting, I noticed a significant increase in yield and quality of sweet potatoes; the price of VietGAP sweet potatoes is also higher. Currently, my family is entering the sweet potato harvest season, with an expected yield of nearly 2 tons, bringing in an estimated economic value of over 20 million VND."

In addition to improving product quality and value through the VietGAP model, several establishments and cooperatives in the province have linked up to purchase and process Loc Binh sweet potatoes into products that can be preserved for a long time. Examples include sweet potato wine (OCOP 3-star) from the Loc Binh Green Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative; and dried sweet potato chips from the Toan Thuong Agricultural Products Cooperative…

Mr. Ma Van Bang, Director of Loc Binh Green Agriculture and Forestry Cooperative in Loc Binh commune, said: "Since June 2023, the cooperative has researched, produced, and marketed Loc Binh sweet potato wine. Subsequently, the cooperative continued to invest in developing the product's brand by registering for the OCOP program and designing packaging, labels, and traceability stamps... By the end of 2023, the cooperative's Loc Binh sweet potato wine was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. From 2023 to the present, the cooperative has purchased over 2 tons of sweet potatoes from local people to produce wine and sold over 1,500 liters per year. Currently, the cooperative is researching investment in building a cold storage facility to better preserve sweet potatoes and increase wine production efficiency."

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

It is evident that improving the quality and investing in the preliminary processing and deep processing of Loc Binh sweet potatoes has yielded practical results, not only contributing to increasing the product's value but also helping to develop and expand the brand of this distinctive local agricultural product in the market.

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