Awakening the value of ancient Shan Tuyet tea

Amidst the high mountain ranges of Yen Binh commune, ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees, decades old, have long been intertwined with the lives of local ethnic communities. However, for many years, this precious tea has primarily been harvested on a small scale, with its economic value not yet commensurate with its potential.

Ma Van Thong, Director of Ban Moc Agricultural Cooperative, Yen Binh commune (wearing a beret), introduces the cooperative's Shan Tuyet tea model to visiting tourists

Recognizing the special value of the indigenous tea variety, Ban Moc Agricultural Cooperative chose to develop OCOP products from the available local resources. Currently, the cooperative manages about 14 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea grown following organic farming practices; from care to harvesting, all steps are strictly implemented. Residents are guided to use organic fertilizers and avoid chemical pesticides; at the same time, pruning is done after each harvest to maintain the vitality of the tea plants. Notably, tea buds are picked early in the morning, the time that yields the best quality.

Ma Van Thong, Director of Ban Moc Agricultural Cooperative, stated: "We determined that to achieve sustainable development, we must preserve the original value of Shan Tuyet tea. In addition to conserving the raw material area, the cooperative focuses on deep processing to increase product value."

Some tea products of Ban Moc Agricultural Cooperative, Yen Binh commune

Beyond traditional green tea, the cooperative also researches and develops many new product lines. Among them, Shan Tuyet Black Tea, processed using natural fermentation, is becoming a key product. With its mild, easy-to-drink flavor, the product is suitable for a wide range of customers and is used as an ingredient for beverages. Deep processing and product diversification have contributed to enhancing the value of Shan Tuyet tea plants, creating jobs, and increasing income for local residents.

Elevating the value of arrowroot tubers

If Shan Tuyet tea is the pride of the Yen Binh highland region, then red arrowroot tubers have created a brand for the arrowroot vermicelli products of Thuong Minh commune. For many years, Trieu Thi Ta arrowroot vermicelli and Yen Duong arrowroot vermicelli have become familiar brands to consumers inside and outside the province. Behind these clear, chewy vermicelli strands lies the persistent journey of highland residents to elevate local agricultural products.

Vermicelli drying process at Trieu Thi Ta arrowroot vermicelli production facility, Na Vien hamlet, Thuong Minh commune

Born and raised in a homeland with a tradition of vermicelli making, Ms. Trieu Thi Ta always pondered how to make local specialties not only serve regional needs but also become high-value economic goods. By combining traditional production methods with modern machinery investment, her production facility has gradually built its own brand in the market. The vermicelli raw material is processed from 100% locally grown red arrowroot tubers. The cool climate helps the arrowroot tubers accumulate a lot of starch, creating vermicelli strands with natural color, chewiness, and a distinctive sweet taste. Notably, during the production process, the facility does not use additives or chemical preservatives, meeting consumers' increasing demands for safe food. As a result, Trieu Thi Ta arrowroot vermicelli product has been recognized as a provincial 3-star OCOP product.

Trieu Thi Ta arrowroot vermicelli production facility providing regular employment for about 10 local workers

Currently, the facility provides regular employment for about 10 local workers with incomes ranging from VND 7-9 million per person per month, while also consuming hundreds of tons of arrowroot tubers annually from residents in the region.

Ms. Nong Thi Lan, an arrowroot farmer in Na Giao hamlet, Thuong Minh commune, shared: My family has been cultivating arrowroot for many years. Previously, there were times when market access was difficult, but since the arrowroot vermicelli production facilities in the commune achieved OCOP status, our family's arrowroot and that of many households in the hamlet have become more stable. As a result, residents are confident in investing in cultivation and expanding their acreage.

Unlocking potential from local advantages

According to Comrade Ly Van Truong, Vice Chairman of Thuong Minh Commune People's Committee, in addition to Trieu Thi Ta arrowroot vermicelli, the locality currently has many other OCOP products developed from distinctive raw materials such as fragrant pumpkin, Tai sticky rice, fragrant pumpkin tea, Le Ha tea, xa den herbal tea bags, etc. These OCOP products have contributed to increasing residents' incomes, promoting the local image, and gradually expanding consumption markets. However, the scale of production remains small, and value chain linkages are not truly sustainable. In the coming time, the locality will continue to support entities with capital, digital transformation, and trade promotion.

Local products of Yen Duong Cooperative, Thuong Minh commune, displayed and introduced at the Kick-off Workshop for the Project on Supporting Green Circular Economy through Agricultural Value Chain Improvement in Northern Vietnam - Thai Nguyen Province

The entire province currently has nearly 600 OCOP products rated 3 stars or higher, including over 120 products rated 4 stars and 13 products rated 5 stars at the national level, ranking 3rd nationwide. Most of Thai Nguyen's OCOP products are developed by effectively exploiting local advantages and raw materials. Nguyen My Hai, Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen Province Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated: Parallel to quantitative development, the sector always focuses on improving the quality of OCOP products, gradually upgrading their ratings and increasing market competitiveness. In the coming time, we will continue to strengthen post-inspection work and guide entities to strictly implement production processes to maintain and enhance product value.

Practice shows that the OCOP Program not only contributes to enhancing the value of agricultural products but also encourages residents to shift their production mindset: from selling raw materials to deep processing, from small-scale production to standardized processes, and from local products to branded goods with market competitiveness. From familiar specialties, many products have been upgraded in terms of quality, design, packaging, and traceability, gradually asserting their position within and outside the province.