The Chieng Chau textile and services cooperative in Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district, preserves the traditional manual weaving, now developed as an OCOP product.
Pham The Anh, Chairman of the union, shared that its chapters at all levels have collaborated to provide advice and guidance for establishing eight new cooperatives and six cooperative groups in crop cultivation, brocade weaving, and livestock raising, and cage fish farming. Notably, the recent certification of the local Bangana Lemassoni collective trademark serves as a significant milestone, motivating the district to further build agricultural brands from its unique local flora and fauna.
To help its members establish agricultural brands, the union has organised various initiatives to support their production growth, focusing on typical and OCOP products. In addition, efforts to transfer technological advancements and introduce modern techniques have been prioritised to improve production and business efficiency.
Over the past three years, the union has coordinated training sessions on fertiliser use for over 1,300 participants and arranged contracts to supply more than 778.6 tonnes of fertiliser to member farmers across communes and towns through deferred payment.
Its local farmers' support fund, with a total capital of over 2.48 billion VND (97,427 USD), has so far disbursed over 2.09 billion VND across 10 projects, benefiting 65 households. Borrowers have demonstrated responsibility by utilising the funds effectively and repaying both principal and interest on time.
Hoang Duc Minh, Vice Chairman of the Mai Chau People’s Committee, praised the union’s efforts, saying it has effectively played a key role in mobilising members and innovating its activities. Agricultural and forestry production has identified key products, while the local new-style rural development programme has achieved positive results.
Since 2021, the union has maintained and developed six collective economic models, including the Chieng Chau textile and tourism cooperative, the Muong Pa black pig farming cooperative in Bao La commune, and the Bangana Lemassoni farming cooperative group in Van Mai commune. The district currently boasts nine OCOP products rated three to four stars, including member-made products like Thanh Nganh tea, Muong Pa black pork, and green-neck ducks. By the end of 2024, Mai Chau aims to add more OCOP items to its portfolio.