Yen Thuy district is actively implementing a comprehensive range of measures to develop its One Commune One Product (OCOP) product offerings. Currently, the district boasts four 4-star and 17 3-star products under the programme. A standout among them is the 4-star ca gai leo (Solanum trilobatum Linn) glue product, which has steadily expanded its presence in both local and regional markets.
Leaders of the Yen Thuy People's Committee visit the nursery of the Bao Hieu Ca Gai Leo Agro-Forestry Cooperative.
According to Bui Quy Hoi, Director of the Bao Hieu Ca Gai Leo Agro-Forestry Cooperative, in early 2015, as part of a poverty reduction programme, ca gai leo, a medicinal plant used in the treatment of various type of diseases, was introduced to Da Phuc commune. Suitable to local soils, the crop thrived, and residents quickly expanded cultivation areas. However, hasty expansion without a specific plan led to unstable outlets and price pressures, with costs sometimes dropping to below 10,000 VND per kg. Therefore, local farmers began uprooting the crop.
"At the end of 2015, I decided to mobilise households in the commune to establish a cooperative specialising in growing the herbal plant. In January 2016, the Bao Hieu Agro-Forestry Cooperative was established,” Hoi said. Pressing issues facing the crop were gradually addressed. From nine members at first, the cooperative has expanded its membership to 100, with the members now involved in a linked cultivation model across more than 40ha in Bao Hieu and Da Phuc communes.
The cooperative researched and produced its glue product, which boasts a longer shelf life. The herb has various uses, such as detoxifying the liver, lowering liver enzymes, relieving alcohol effects, assisting in treating liver inflammation Type B, fatty liver and fatty blood diseases, back pain, fatigue, and sore throat.
At the provincial OCOP product evaluation conference in 2019, the product claimed a 3-star rating. In 2021, it was accredited with meeting the 4-star standard.
Hoi noted that the product has been trademarked and is available in foreign markets like China, Russia, and Thailand, receiving high praise. The annual profit from it hit between 1.5 and 2.5 billion VND (61,589 – 102,648 USD). The average monthly income is 11.5 million VND per member.
In addition to the efforts of its members, the cooperative has received support from the Yen Thuy authorities, helping its product firmly establish a position in the market.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on November 20 coordinated with Hai Dang Group Hoa Binh Seafood Company Limited to release 1.5 tonnes of fries into Hoa Binh Lake to regenerate aquatic resources, with a total value of 266 million VND (10,460 USD).
On the afternoon of November 16, Nguyen Phi Long, alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, held a reception for a delegation from the Indian Embassy led by Ambassador Sandeep Arya. The delegation included the chairperson of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, embassy personnel, and Indian businesses operating in Vietnam. Accompanying Long at the meeting were leaders of the provincial People's Committee and representatives from various departments and sectors.
Hoa Binh province hosted the "Meet India 2024" conference on November 16, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties between Vietnam and India.
In recent times, with its core role in building and fostering great national unity, Cao Phong district's Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee has actively carried out its responsibilities and front work, and closely collaborated with member organisations to encourage locals to implement the Party’s guidelines, and the State’s policies and laws. At the same time, it has worked to promote the dynamism, creativity, and contributions of officials, Party members, and local people to help the district develop further.
From a type of bulb used as a seasoning for daily meals, thanks to the efforts of local authorities and farmers, shallots have become a commercial crop in Yen Thuy district, contributing to promoting the transformation of crop structure in agricultural production, bringing higher incomes to locals.
