Nghe An: Science and technology elevate OCOP products.

Good quality, beautiful design.

Within the provinceNghe AnThere have been 249 products that have achieved 3 stars or higher in the OCOP program, across various sectors including handicrafts, processing, food, and agriculture.

Research shows that science and technology play a crucial role in improving labor productivity and enhancing the quality and design of products. Over the years, departments and agencies in the province have actively supported the science and technology sector in the production of OCOP products. This includes transferring scientific and technological advancements to products in cultivation, processing, and packaging.

Spirulina products at Vietnam Algae Science and Technology Joint Stock Company (Hidumi Phama Green Science Joint Stock Company). Photo: Tran Duy Ngoan

The herbal tea products of Pù Mát Medicinal Herbs Joint Stock Company (Con Cuông) currently have 7 products that have achieved "4-star" OCOP status. According to Mr. Phan Xuân Diện - Director of the company: In order for these products to be successful...OCOP productsThe company has established a strong foothold in the market, gaining consumer trust. Over the past period, the company has continuously promoted the application of science and technology to improve productivity, quality, and product design and packaging. Specifically, the entire area for growing raw materials utilizes technology from planting to caring for, harvesting, and preliminary processing.

Typically, after harvesting, the raw materials are dried in two systems: a heat pump dryer and a saturated steam dryer, to minimize outdoor drying of medicinal herbs, which affects food safety and hygiene. Product processing has also been improved, diversifying in design and packaging; ensuring compliance with regulations on labels, tags, and traceability.

Application of science and technology in the production of herbal tea bags at Pu Mat Medicinal Herbs Joint Stock Company. Photo: Xuan Hoang.

“OCOP products are required to apply science and technology to the production chain to improve quality, design, and reduce labor. Therefore, in recent years, thanks to the application of science and technology in production, the 7 products that achieved 4-star OCOP status at the provincial level have consistently ensured quality, with increasingly attractive packaging designs, meeting the ever-growing demands of customers.”

Mr. Phan Xuan Dien - Director of Pu Mat Medicinal Herbs Joint Stock Company

Visiting An Ha Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (Tan Ky), one of the oyster mushroom products that achieved a "3-star" OCOP provincial award in 2021, reveals that most stages, from raw material processing to packaging, steaming, and cultivation, apply science and technology wherever possible.

Mr. Luong Duy Dung, Director of An Ha Biotechnology Joint Stock Company, said: "The company has introduced machinery and equipment into all stages of production, therefore, the unit's mushroom output is increasing, the quality is guaranteed, and it is highly appreciated by consumers."

Constantly innovating technology

Ms. Vo Ngoc Anh, owner of a nutritious multi-grain noodle production facility in Son Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district), shared: "One of the key factors for products to achieve OCOP star ratings is quality and design. If production facilities don't innovate their technology, they cannot compete in the market." With that in mind, Ms. Ngoc Anh's facility has invested billions of VND in installing various machines such as: grinding machines, flour storage tanks, centrifugal separators, dough presses, noodle extruders, etc. As a result, noodle production has increased, the products are aesthetically pleasing, and quality and food safety are guaranteed.

Production of nutritious multigrain rice noodles at a facility in Son Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district. Photo: Xuan Hoang.

For example, An Ha Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (Tan Ky) has been applying technology since it started operating more than 10 years ago, so its machinery is outdated, affecting productivity and increasing costs. Therefore, to upgrade the OCOP star rating for oyster mushroom products, it is necessary to continuously modernize technology from raw material mixing machines, bagging machines, bag sterilization machines, etc., in order to reduce labor and costs, and improve production efficiency. "Science and technology change constantly, so businesses also need to constantly innovate and upgrade machinery and equipment to compete with the market and not be left behind."

Over the years, theapplication of science and technologyThis is a trend and an effective solution that economic entities in mountainous areas are interested in implementing, thereby contributing to elevating the status of OCOP products in the market.

In a discussion with us on this issue, Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung – Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology – stated that: Implementing a systematic approach from building raw material areas, transferring advanced technology, overcoming bottlenecks and shortcomings; to intellectual property rights, labels, packaging, codes, traceability, and product origin... are outstanding results in applying science and technology in brand building and OCOP product development in the province.

Production of oyster mushrooms - a 3-star OCOP product of An Ha Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (Tan Ky). Photo: Xuan Hoang

Over the years, the province has implemented numerous solutions to encourage businesses, cooperatives, and other entities to promote the application of science and technology in the production and processing of OCOP products, especially through mechanisms and policies supporting investment, technological innovation, and brand building.trade promotionThis includes promoting products, connecting businesses, and providing loan support for factory construction. Simultaneously, it involves conducting surveys and assessments of the need for applying scientific and technological advancements to advise and support the development of OCOP products in localities. Furthermore, it involves coordinating with localities to actively guide businesses, organizations, and individuals in registering trademarks, labeling goods, designing product packaging, and registering barcodes, contributing to establishing the brand and reputation of products in the market. The application of science and technology has contributed to building brands and improving the quality of OCOP products, which are recognized and highly valued by the market.

DIn order for OCOP products in the province to improve their star rating, businesses, organizations, and individuals need to continuously apply technology to production to enhance product quality and packaging design.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology

Achieving OCOP star ratings is difficult, but improving quality to achieve even higher ratings is even more challenging. Therefore, businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in OCOP products need to clearly identify the most important aspect: continuously innovating technology on production lines. This will lead to improved designs and packaging, enhanced product quality, and increased competitiveness in the market.

Investing in modern production lines for testing and cultivating Spirulina algae in Quynh Luu. Photo: Tran Duy Ngoan.