Sweet and crispy Chinese broccoli from Tan Lien

The 3-star OCOP product "Tan Lien Chinese Mustard" from Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Production Cooperative (Na Han village, Tan Lien commune, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province) is gradually affirming its quality and brand in the domestic and export markets.

At this time, the people of Na Han village, Tan Lien commune, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province are busy planting, tending, and harvesting various winter vegetables, mainly Chinese cabbage. This is a famous vegetable of Lang Son province, helping local people increase their income and improve their living standards.

When talking about Chinese kale, it's impossible not to mention Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Production Cooperative. Operating since 2017, the cooperative specializes in producing clean vegetables and fruits, focusing on safe farming methods and environmental protection. Recently, participating in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, Tan Lien Chinese kale was evaluated and certified as a 3-star OCOP product by the People's Committee of Lang Son province in 2024.

Sharing the "secret" to their success, Ms. Duong Thi Oai, Director of Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Production Cooperative, said that the cooperative's Chinese kale is produced according to strict technical procedures, from standards for soil and irrigation water to planting, caring, and record-keeping processes, absolutely no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. Furthermore, the cooperative has boldly invested in greenhouses and a water-saving irrigation system, implementing production according to standards, thereby improving the economic efficiency of winter vegetable cultivation.

Thanks to strict adherence to technical requirements, Tan Lien's Chinese kale products consistently ensure safe quality, are widely favored by consumers, and are consumed extensively in the market. Currently, Tan Lien Chinese kale is being sold on the market at prices ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 VND/kg. After deducting expenses, each hectare of Chinese kale cultivation yields a profit of over 300 million VND for the cooperative.

Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy, a member of the Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Cooperative, said: "The best time to plant Chinese kale is in winter. As the plants grow, the tops are pinched off to encourage new shoots to sprout from the leaf axils. Growers harvest after these young shoots turn into green buds, as this is when the kale contains the most nutrients. Each plant is pruned with a top 20-25 cm long. The harvesting season lasts from April to August each year."

"Previously, we only grew vegetables for our own consumption and didn't think about selling them. Now, with guidance on safe vegetable cultivation techniques, we achieve high yields and quality. Growing Chinese cabbage takes only about 45 days to harvest, and on average, each plot yields a profit of 10-11 million VND per crop," Ms. Thuy shared.

According to Nguyen Van Hanh, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Cao Loc District (Lang Son Province), Cao Loc has a cool climate and good soil, making it suitable for vegetable growth and development. Chinese cabbage has been identified and selected by the district as a key vegetable crop. Currently, Cao Loc has 24 hectares of safe vegetable production, with an annual output of over 2,000 tons, of which Chinese cabbage accounts for more than 50% of the total. The current market price for Chinese cabbage ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 VND/kg, bringing high economic efficiency to growers.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hanh, Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Cooperative is a model unit in the district in developing agricultural economy, bringing local Chinese kale products to a wider market. Currently, Tan Lien Chinese kale is not only consumed locally but also supplied to markets in many northern provinces and exported. Besides its high economic value, this vegetable contributes to preserving the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products.

Over the years, through training courses and with the guidance and support of agricultural officials, all members of the cooperative have mastered technical procedures and adhered to implementation methods. For example, pest and disease control is carried out entirely using environmentally friendly biological products; organic fertilizers and biological products are used to increase soil fertility. As a result, the area of ​​vegetable cultivation according to VietGAP standards of Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Cooperative has been maintained stably (7 hectares), productivity and quality have improved significantly, ensuring export standards.

Tan Lien Chinese broccoli is famous for its vibrant green color, high nutritional value, and unique flavor. Chinese broccoli is characterized by its dark green color, thick stems, and yellow flowers. The stems are the most delicious part, containing plenty of fiber and starch, and are crunchy, fragrant, and have a very distinct flavor – a subtly sweet and nutty taste.

That's why Tan Lien Chinese cabbage is trusted and chosen by many consumers and housewives for their daily meals. Chinese cabbage can be prepared in many different dishes and suits the taste of most people. Familiar dishes made from Chinese cabbage include: boiled cabbage (simple but retains its natural sweetness and crispness); stir-fried cabbage with garlic or beef; soup (combining cabbage with shrimp or lean meat); and hot pot (the cabbage adds sweetness and crispness when dipped in hot pot)...

According to Duong Thi Oai, Director of Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Production Cooperative: “Objectively speaking, Tan Lien kale is a distinctive product, grown in a unique region, so its quality is superior to similar products grown in other regions. Furthermore, Tan Lien kale fully meets food safety and hygiene standards, so its popularity and market position are easily understandable.”

To further enhance the economic value of Chinese kale, the Tan Lien Safe Vegetable Cooperative will intensify its promotional and marketing activities in the coming period, not only in local markets and supermarkets, but also by increasing its presence on online sales channels, e-commerce platforms, and social media. A well-structured, focused, and consistent communication campaign will undoubtedly help the cooperative promote this specialty vegetable more easily, quickly, and conveniently.

The cooperative hopes that the state management agencies of Lang Son province and Cao Loc district will continue to pay attention to and support the cooperative in participating in trade fairs and exhibitions to meet and connect with other production and business units, and enterprises inside and outside the province to promote and boost product consumption more strongly and effectively.

Developing agricultural production combined with agricultural tourism is a modern development trend, so the cooperative recommends that the local government create favorable conditions for the cooperative to expand its production scale and build a sustainable production-consumption chain. Cao Loc district should also consider including Chinese cabbage in the list of specialty dishes to serve tourists in Lang Son province.

In the long term, the province should have a strategy to develop its strong agricultural products in conjunction with ecotourism, giving tourists the opportunity to experience the landscapes of Lang Son and enjoy local specialties on the spot. This will help people increase their income and contribute to the development of the local economy.

16:51 19/12/2024

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/ngot-gion-cai-lan-tan-lien.html