The implementation of the "One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) programme in Hoa Binh province has helped local companies, cooperatives, along with production and business establishments boost the development of their key and typical products, as well as the rural industries and services they are strong at. Science and technology have played an important role in the fast and sustainable development of OCOP products.
The Hop Tien cooperative in Kim Boi district has applied scientific - technological advances to produce forest honey and increase trade promotion, helping the product gain a strong foothold in the market.
Previously, the Yen Tri Agricultural Cooperative in Yen Tri commune of Yen Thuy district manually produced herbal extract products, generating per capita income of only 3 - 3.5 million VND (118 - 137 USD) for its members. Now, by applying high technology such as automatic irrigation systems and modern processing and packaging equipment, productivity and quality have been improved considerably, helping increase product value as well as per capita income by 1.5 - 2 times.
Bui Phi Nam, Director of the Yen Tri Agricultural Cooperative, said the application of high technology has helped to not only raise product value and productivity but also reduce labour costs. For example, the use of automatic and controlled drip irrigation and fertilisation systems has ensured medicinal plants are provided with sufficient water and nutrition to grow even amid unfavourable weather conditions and to have high productivity. As a result, revenue can reach 250 - 300 million VND per ha each year.
There are 158 OCOP products in Hoa Binh province at present, including two with potential five stars, 32 rated four stars, and 124 rated three stars.
Most companies, cooperatives, and production establishments joining in the OCOP programme have actively applied scientific and technological solutions to improve productivity and product quality, according to authorities’ survey.
Besides, the province has also reserved substantial resources with total cost of over 124 billion VND for helping with applying and transferring scientific and technological advances.
Talking about science - technology application and transfer serving the development of key products during 2016 - 2024, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dinh Cong Su said the most observable success of those projects is to have formed connection among scientists, managers, businesses and farmers, apart from building technical infrastructure for agriculture and rural areas. In addition, the projects have also helped train personnel in charge of science and technique for project implementing agencies and units, thus bringing practical socio-economic benefits to local residents and the target localities.
All-level administrations and agencies have also assisted businesses to apply digital technology to boost the sale of OCOP products. In particular, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has helped advertise farm produce and OCOP products at conferences and online displays, as well as on some websites and e-marketplaces. Thanks to such efforts, key and typical products of Hoa Binh have become more popular among consumers and gradually gained a foothold in the market.
Hoa Binh province’s economy posted an impressive Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate of 12.67% in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 12.76% year-on-year increase, the highest rate recorded since the beginning of the current tenure, according to the provincial Statistics Office. This robust growth reflects years of strategic groundwork and sets a strong foundation for the province’s annual growth target of over 10%.
With a focus on cash crop farming with science - technology application and brand building, Lac Thuy district is gradually increasing production value, improving people's life quality, and laying the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.
In recent years, the economic development model "Hoa Binh Earthworm Farm” run by Mr. Bui Van Dang in Co Giua Hamlet, My Thanh Commune (Lac Son district) has not only brought stable economic value but it is also environmentally friendly, helping to protect and reduce pollution, contributing to the construction of a green and sustainable agriculture.
Dao Village’s honey – a product certified with a 3-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) rating by Thong Nhat Agricultural Cooperative in Dao Village (Hoa Binh City) – is highly regarded by consumers for its quality, richness, and variety in packaging. The distinctively sweet taste of Dao Village’s honey leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has tried it.
In alignment with Project No. 07-DA/TU, issued by the Hoa Binh provincial Party Committee on November 1, 2021, Lac Thuy district has actively promoted investment and supported the sustainable development of its industrial and handicraft sectors during the 2021–2025 period. Alongside this, the district has remained committed to preserving and revitalising traditional craft villages.
Located in the northern part of Lac Thuy district, with a temperate climate and fertile soil, Phu Thanh commune has great potential and advantages in growing tea. The long-standing experience, combined with strict adherence to organic farming practices in the tea gardens, ensures that the dried tea products from Phu Thanh and Lac Thuy as a whole are sold out immediately upon production, providing a stable and prosperous life for the local people.
