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.
Maximizing local potential and advantages, Yen Tri commune in Yen Thuy district is actively promoting the cultivation of medicinal herbs and turning medicinal herbs into One Commune - One Product (OCOP) products.
Situated at the gateway to the Northwest, Hoa Binh province has a population of over 900,000, including about 540,000 of working age. It is home to 6,000 businesses and production facilities, providing employment for over 100,000 workers. The remaining workforce is engaged in informal jobs, works in enterprises outside the province, or contributes to agro-forestry-fisheries. Additionally, around 3,000 workers are employed abroad.
The Hoa Binh provincial People's Committee has issued Decision No. 2767/QD-UBND announcing the rankings of departments, agencies, districts and Hoa Binh city in the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR) and the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) in 2024.
The cultivation of Dam Xanh fish (Bangana lemassoni), a unique fish species, has seen remarkable growth in Mai Chau district, thanks to its high economic value and effectiveness. Initially concentrated in Van Mai commune, farming has now extended to four other communes, namely Mai Hich, Mai Ha, Chieng Chau, and Son Thuy. These areas benefit from pristine underground water flowing from mountain crevices, providing ideal conditions for raising this specialty fish.
In 2024, the total state budget revenue of Hoa Binh Province is estimated at approximately VND 6,930 billion, achieving 183% of the Government’s target, 126% of the target assigned by the Provincial People's Council, and 145% compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, Hoa Binh province has shown signs of improvement in attracting investment and developing enterprises.
