Cam Giang people proactively do OCOP

See the benefits

With over 30 years of experience in carpentry, Mr. Nguyen Van Vuong in Dong Khe village, Luong Dien commune has created many valuable handicraft products. His works have been displayed at many fairs in and outside the province and are highly appreciated by consumers, but his carpentry facility still has no brand.

“Previously, we only focused on production without investing in brand building. Therefore, consumers did not know the origin of the products. The OCOP program has supported small-scale production facilities like us to approach and build brands. Participating in the OCOP program is also an opportunity for our handicraft products to reach more customers. Products recognized as OCOP will certainly increase consumption,” said Mr. Vuong.

Recently, 5 products of Mr. Vuong's household including: lotus fish vase, four seasons lotus, apricot blossom, parents' calligraphy painting and four seasons painting have been certified with 3-star OCOP. These are also typical products of Dong Giao carpentry village. With these products, consumers nationwide will know more about Dong Giao carpentry village.

Having been in the agricultural processing business for many years, this year is a special year for Tan Huong Agricultural and Food Processing Joint Stock Company in Cam Van Commune. This enterprise has just launched 5 OCOP products including: onion powder, garlic powder, dried carrots, dried onion leaves, and chili powder that will be supplied directly to consumers. All production materials are agricultural products in the province.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Doan, Director of Tan Huong Agricultural and Food Processing Joint Stock Company, the company used to be a supplier of quality agricultural raw materials to a number of domestic enterprises, not directly to consumers. However, in the context of an increasingly developing market economy, the company has boldly expanded its customer base, producing finished products to serve consumers. "We hope that these products will be well received by consumers when they are released to the market," said Mr. Doan.

Cam Giang district has just had 19 more 3-star OCOP products from 5 entities. This is the first district in the province to complete the evaluation and classification of OCOP products. Compared to other districts in the province, although there is less local support, the program has created a spread and attracted a large number of enthusiastically participating entities.

Create development momentum

Phu Loc Wine is one of the first OCOP products of Hai Duong province. This year, Phu Loc Wine Company Limited has 7 more 3-star OCOP products including white sticky rice wine, wine soaked with hawthorn, Dutch apple, apricot, cordyceps, purple sticky rice and Morinda officinalis.

Mr. Hoang Van Vuong, Director of Phu Loc Wine Company Limited, shared: "Products with OCOP certification have increased consumption by 25-30% compared to other products. The company's other products are also known by more consumers. This proves that the program has created momentum for rural economic development."

After nearly 5 years of implementing the "One Commune One Product" program, Cam Giang district now has 45 OCOP products with 3 stars or more. Of which, 29 are 3-star products, 4 are 4-star products and 12 are waiting for the province to evaluate and recognize them as 4 stars in 2024. Cam Giang district's OCOP products belong to 3 industry groups: food, beverage, handicrafts, and decoration.

The program has promoted the advantages and strengths of the locality, created a breakthrough in economic development in rural areas, and raised awareness for people to proactively participate in the OCOP Program. Products with 3 stars or more are known by many people, and the consumption market is wider thanks to information, promotion of the locality and connection programs of the provincial departments and branches.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thien, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cam Giang district, affirmed that the program has created a strong start-up movement, contributing to the transformation of production towards increasing the scale of commodity production associated with the chain linkage of localities, contributing to the formation of many production areas. Many products after being recognized as OCOP have been very successful, creating jobs for people, thereby helping to improve the living standards of people in rural areas. In addition, the program also contributes to the transformation from backward agricultural production to a market economy.