Quang Ngai: Ca Dong students turn upland rice grains into a popular product.

Using upland rice grains, a staple of the Ca Dong people for generations, two students from the mountainous region have created numerous products that reflect their unique cultural identity, contributing to the enhancement of local agricultural products.

Preserving the cultural essence from upland rice grains.

The story of two Ca Dong ethnic minority students transforming upland rice grains into popular market products has recently attracted considerable attention. This is partly because the students are very young (only in 8th grade), and partly because their products are gaining interest from many customers.

Upland rice is an inseparable part of the cultural life of the Ca Dong people. Photo: Nguyen Duong

Beginning their presentation for the "Highland Gem" project, the two students introduced that for generations, upland rice has not only been an important food source but also an inseparable part of the cultural life of the Ca Dong people in the highlands of Son Tay, Quang Ngai province. In traditional rituals, festivals, ancestral worship ceremonies, and special community occasions, upland rice and cakes made from this type of rice are always present as a way of expressing gratitude to the gods and ancestors and praying for a bountiful harvest.

The students believe that, unlike paddy rice, upland rice has lower yields but possesses a distinctive aroma, rich flavor, and high nutritional value. For people in mountainous areas, it is considered the "jewel" of the mountains and forests. However, for a long time, this agricultural product has mainly been produced to meet family needs and has not created significant economic value.

Based on that idea, two students, Dinh Van Chinh and Dinh Thi Quynh Nhu (8th grade, class 8A) from Son Tan Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School, came up with the idea of ​​turning their hometown's upland rice grains into higher-value products.

Upland rice has a distinctive aroma, rich flavor, and high nutritional value. Photo: Nguyen Duong

Driven by a desire to promote local specialties to a wider audience, the two students proactively researched, explored, and experimented with new processing methods. Using the knowledge they gained in school and with the support of their teachers, they gradually transformed traditional ingredients into products that meet market demands.

After numerous trials, products such as printed cakes, roasted rice tea, and nutritional powder made from upland rice have been perfected. Not only do they retain the distinctive flavors of local ingredients, but the products have also received positive feedback from consumers.

Dinh Van Chinh said that the project faced many difficulties because the group lacked experience in food processing. Many times, the cakes didn't meet expectations, and the roasted rice tea didn't have the desired aroma, forcing them to constantly adjust the recipe.

"There were times when I had to try many times before I succeeded. When the product was well-received by people, I felt very happy because my hometown's specialty became more widely known," Chinh shared.

Elevating local agricultural products through the creativity of young people.

Not content with just creating products, the two students also utilized social media to promote the image of upland rice and Ca Dong culture. Videos documenting the process of roasting rice, making cakes, or showcasing the beauty of life in the highlands have attracted the attention of many people, helping to spread the story of upland rice beyond the confines of their village.

Drawing inspiration from traditional cakes and upland rice dishes served at festivals, two Ca Dong students have developed products that have garnered consumer interest. Photo: Ngoc Toan

According to Dinh Thi Quynh Nhu, many people have already placed orders for the products. However, because they are still focusing on their studies, the group cannot yet produce them in large quantities. In the coming time, especially during the summer break, they will dedicate more time to further refine and promote the products.

The products made by the two students are also very affordable, with the most expensive being the upland rice nutritional powder at 48,000 VND/500g box; upland rice and ginger tea bags are priced at 24,000 VND/300-500g box...

"We hope that more and more people will learn about upland rice cultivation and the cultural beauty of our homeland," Như said.

According to teacher Dinh Thi Hanh, a teacher at Son Tan Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School, the project is the result of applying the STEM education model to practice, helping students develop their creativity and enhance their understanding of ethnic cultural values.

“The area for upland rice cultivation is shrinking, posing a significant risk of extinction. Through this project, the students gain a better understanding of the value of traditional agricultural products, thereby fostering a greater love for and awareness of preserving their ethnic group's cultural identity,” Ms. Hanh stated.

One of the products made by two Ca Dong students. Photo: Ngoc Toan

The most valuable aspect of the project lies not only in the products created but also in the way the two students from the mountainous region are telling the story of their homeland using the most familiar values. The upland rice is now not just a source of food but also a bridge bringing the culture of the highlands closer to the community.

Recognizing the potential of the idea, the school is continuing to work with the students to refine the project in an entrepreneurial direction.

Speaking with a reporter from the Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Huynh Van Thanh, Principal of Son Tan Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School, said that the students' products during the recent Tet holiday were purchased by many people and received high praise.

"The students have sold nearly 4 million VND worth of all the products they made. However, this is only a learning model for them, so it's not yet possible to expand production. Therefore, in the future, the school will propose to the relevant authorities to support quality testing, improve production processes and product packaging, aiming to develop OCOP products for the locality," Mr. Thanh said.

According to Mr. Thanh, with proper support in terms of process, quality, and branding, products from upland rice can absolutely become specialties with a unique identity of the Son Tay highlands .

From a crop primarily used for self-sufficiency, upland rice in the Son Tay highlands is being given new life by Ca Dong ethnic minority students through creative processed products. The project not only contributes to increasing the value of local agricultural products but also opens up a direction for cultural preservation linked to community economic development, gradually bringing the flavors of the highlands closer to consumers.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/quang-ngai-hoc-sinh-ca-dong-dua-hat-lua-ray-thanh-san-pham-ua-chuong-459124.html