'Khau Cay Noi' rice, a specialty of the border region of Nghe An province.

(Baonghean.vn) - Preserving native plants and animals is one of the approaches to creating a unique identity and increasing income for the people. Following this approach, Que Phong district encourages the people to develop native crops such as: bon bo tree, golden flower tea, Artemisia annua, melon, black sticky rice, 'khau cay noi' rice, and many other livestock to create a source of clean local products.

"Specialties from the mountainous region of Nghe An are on display at the Vietnam Goods Fair."

The "Khâu cầy nọi" variety always has one black ear of rice at the base.

The border region of Que Phong is famous for its staple crops such as upland sticky rice, purple sticky rice, and especially "Khau Cay Noi" rice.

"Khau Cay Noi" is a small-grained rice variety with fragrant, sticky rice. It's a traditional local variety with a longer growing season (20 days longer) than other varieties, but it boasts higher nutritional quality. Unlike common rice varieties, "Khau Cay Noi" always has one black-grained panicle in a single plant, while the rest are white.

This variety is sown only once a year, from the end of June to October, and then harvested. The production process follows traditional methods, ensuring a reputable, clean rice product. Currently, Nam Nhoong commune is developing a model with 15 participating households, each cultivating 1 sao (approximately 1000 square meters).

Khau Cay Noi rice is also intercropped with other plants, yielding higher income per unit area.

Mr. Lu Trung Thanh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nam Nhoong commune, said: "In recent years, native plant and animal varieties have become popular with consumers. Therefore, the district and commune have decided to expand their cultivation to produce goods, helping people develop their economy and alleviate poverty."

In Que Phong district, the native Artemisia annua plant, found in the forest, is preserved and used to treat liver disease, promote urination, and alleviate insomnia. Initially, local people gathered it from the forest for personal use and sale. Now, many households are collecting and cultivating it on their hillsides. Mr. Vi Van Thang in Quyn village, Quang Phong commune, was the first to dedicate significant time to researching and cultivating this wild Artemisia annua. Following Mr. Thang's example, Quang Phong commune now has 16 households cultivating it on an area of ​​over 5 hectares.

The area still preserves a species of Artemisia annua that is propagated from forest trees.

With its unique climate and many distinctive native plants, Que Phong district is directing efforts to preserve and develop native plants and strictly implement production processes, building brands for clean and safe products. Some products have been displayed, introduced, promoted, and participated in trade fairs in many places inside and outside the province.

Kim Liêng - Ngọc Tăng

Que Phong Radio Station.