Tam Hung commune was formed by rearranging the entire natural area and population of the former My Hung, Thanh Thuy, Thanh Van, and Tam Hung communes. These communes were all strong in new rural development and were implementing model new rural development programs. After the new commune came into operation, it had a large land area and significant potential for agricultural development. Tam Hung chose the direction of ecological agriculture to create a green belt for the capital city while also potentially combining it with experiential tourism in the future.
Mr. Bui Dinh Thai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tam Hung commune, shared that the locality will develop production in the direction of applying science and technology, changing the structure of crops and livestock based on the advantages of each region, not chasing quantity but focusing on quality and economic efficiency. In the application of science and technology, digital transformation plays a key role. Tam Hung is paying attention to investing in information technology infrastructure to serve e-government and the economic and social activities of the people.
Tam Hung not only focuses on economic development but also ensures environmental protection by raising awareness among officials and residents about improving the sorting of household waste at source. This includes educating people not to burn straw after harvest but to transform it into bio-fertilizer, a raw material for a sustainable production chain, to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and move towards building a green and sustainable agricultural system.
Boi Khe fragrant rice. Photo: Dinh Thanh Huyen.
Tam Hung's greatest strength lies in its vast rice fields cultivated according to VietGAP or organic standards. The Tam Hung Agricultural Cooperative is a prime example, with over 700 hectares of rice paddies, 80% of which are produced using rigorous technical processes from seed selection and cultivation to preliminary processing, processing, and distribution. Established in 1958, the cooperative has weathered many historical ups and downs, at times seemingly insurmountable, yet it has persevered in its rice production journey. Rice is not just food; it represents the culture and the people of this region.
The story began in 2012 when the cooperative was selected to participate in the high-quality commercial rice production program of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment). In 2014, the Boi Khe fragrant rice product and the high-quality Boi Khe rice growing area of the cooperative were recognized as a collective trademark by the Intellectual Property Office. The cooperative also pioneered bringing its products to participate in the OCOP program of Hanoi City and was recognized as a 4-star OCOP product.
I was curious to know why, even with common rice varieties like Bac Thom No. 7 and Nep Cai Hoa Vang, when grown in Boi Khe, the rice has an indescribable aroma and rich flavor. Mr. Do Van Kien, Director of the Cooperative, explained that for many years now, members have stopped farming on a small scale and instead produce according to a plan, signing contracts with businesses. The cooperative acts as an intermediary to connect and direct production, ensuring uniformity in variety and process. Thanks to this, the cooperative can strictly control quality and guarantee quantity according to the signed contracts with businesses, increasing the value of Bac Thom No. 7 and Nep Cai Hoa Vang rice from Tam Hung.
Rice production processes have been mechanized. Photo: Dinh Thanh Huyen.
Besides retail stores and supermarkets, the cooperative also directly sells and delivers goods to collective kitchens and kindergartens in the district and inner-city districts, generating considerable income for thousands of members and contributing to the development of new rural areas. The production process is strictly monitored with the support of scientists and agricultural officials, from the selection of rice varieties, mostly purebred varieties supplied by reputable units such as the Central Seed Company and the Thai Binh Seed Company…
According to Mr. Kien, the cooperative is working on a supply chain, so every step and stage must adhere to a common process and be strictly controlled. Input materials such as fertilizers and pesticides are carefully selected by the cooperative, leaning towards organic and biological methods. Furthermore, the cooperative collaborates with agricultural officials to provide thorough training to its members on the correct dosage, amount, and timing of fertilization and spraying, ensuring food safety.
The secret to the uniqueness of Boi Khe fragrant rice lies in its low-lying soil, rich in valuable macro and micronutrients, combined with a scientific cultivation process that allows the rice grains to retain maximum nutrients. Boi Khe's fragrant rice, specifically the No. 7 variety and glutinous rice with golden flowers, has a fragrant aroma and rich flavor when cooked. Furthermore, its professional packaging and labeling, along with a compelling product story, convinced the Hanoi City OCOP judging panel to award it a 4-star rating.
Regarding sales, the cooperative focuses on promoting its Boi Khe fragrant rice product on online platforms while also taking advantage of opportunities created by Hanoi to participate in product displays at various conferences, fairs, and exhibitions. As a result, sales have improved year after year, and the customer base has expanded. In addition to organic food stores and supermarkets, the cooperative also directly sells and delivers its products to collective kitchens, kindergartens in the area, and inner-city wards.
Therefore, despite the volatile price fluctuations in the rice market, the cooperative has consistently maintained its market share and increased its value. Its products, including the fragrant Bắc Thơm No. 7 rice and the Bối Khê glutinous rice, have established a firm foothold in the hearts of customers, helping to secure livelihoods for over 1,000 cooperative members.
This article was written in collaboration with the Office for Coordinating the New Rural Development Program of Hanoi City.
Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/ve-noi-co-11-san-pham-ocop-d783409.html
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