Developing key agricultural product chains

Oyster processing at the processing workshop of Hong Phat Seafood Cooperative, Zone 8, Van Don special economic zone.

Van Don oysters are one of the 12 key agricultural product chains of Quang Ninh province. With about 3,800 hectares of oyster farming, with an output of over 12 million tons/year, Van Don special zone is considered the largest oyster farming area in Quang Ninh. In recent years, oyster farmers in Van Don have not only focused on output but also invested in a closed value chain, from seed production, commercial farming to deep processing and product consumption. A typical example is Hong Phat Aquatic Products Cooperative, Zone 8, Van Don special zone. Currently, this unit has 200 hectares of oyster farming, with an output of over 8,000 tons/year. Aiming for sustainable development, for many years, Hong Phat Cooperative has built a complete oyster production chain from proactive seed production, commercial farming, to deep processing and consumption of products with clear traceability. At the cooperative’s processing workshop, fresh oysters are processed, shelled, quick-frozen, packaged and electronically labeled, ensuring food hygiene and safety. Thanks to that, the products not only serve the domestic market but also meet export standards, attracting the attention of many foreign businesses and partners.

Mr. Dao Van Vu, Permanent Vice Chairman of Van Don Special Economic Zone, said: We have identified developing oyster farming according to a sustainable, environmentally friendly value chain as a strategic direction. The local government has focused on re-planning farming areas, encouraging cooperatives and enterprises to use HDPE floating materials, invest in processing technology and register trademarks. Thereby, both increasing product value and protecting marine ecology, aiming to develop a blue ocean economy . Up to now, Van Don has about 150 households, cooperatives and enterprises participating in oyster farming with an area of about 3,800 hectares. Currently, oyster farming is creating a stable livelihood for nearly 5,000 local workers.

Representatives of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company discussed with households growing cassava about the quality of input products.

Along with Van Don oysters, arrowroot and the craft of making arrowroot vermicelli have long been the main products of Luc Hon commune. Notably, the Binh Lieu arrowroot vermicelli product of the commune has become a famous brand, achieved the national 5-star OCOP certification and is present in many large supermarkets in the country, and is also exported to foreign markets. This success comes from the formation of a strong chain of links between farmers and businesses. Currently, in Luc Hon commune, there is a large-scale arrowroot vermicelli production facility, Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company. This enterprise is maintaining production and consumption links for 500 arrowroot growing households in the commune and neighboring areas with a purchasing and processing output of about 2,000 tons/year. The enterprise has invested in modern production lines, built a collective brand "Binh Lieu arrowroot vermicelli" and standardized the raw material area in an organic direction. Thanks to the application of a closed management process, cellophane noodles have consistent quality and are safe, trusted by domestic and foreign markets.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tung, Deputy Director of Binh Lieu Trading and Service Joint Stock Company, shared: “We determined that if we want our products to go far, we must invest thoroughly in both raw materials and technology. Linking with growers helps businesses have a stable supply source, and people can feel secure in sticking with the cassava plant, a local specialty crop.”

Not only stopping at production development, Binh Lieu also aims to diversify the value of agricultural products. The commune is aiming to combine vermicelli production with developing craft village tourism, both promoting agricultural product brands and creating more livelihoods for people.

Up to now, Quang Ninh has 12 key agricultural product chains. These chains not only create brand impressions but also contribute to shifting the rural economic structure, increasing people's income. The province is continuing to synchronously deploy solutions such as standardizing raw material areas, granting VietGAP and organic certification; supporting trade promotion; promoting digital transformation and bringing all 3-5 star OCOP products to e-commerce platforms... to affirm the strengths of these agricultural products as well as promote agricultural economic development.

Nguyen Ngoc

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/phat-trien-chuoi-nong-san-chu-luc-3382985.html