Nghe An: Applying science and technology to enhance OCOP products

Applying science and technology to OCOP products

Product "Spirulina" of Hidumi Pharma Green Science Joint Stock Company in Quynh Luong commune (Quynh Luu) is an OCOP product with systematic investment and the most advanced technology with the support of foreign experts.

The total capital investment of the facility is more than 15 billion VND and has now been certified by the Ministry of Health for quality and is known to many consumers. After many years of testing, this company has produced 3 lines of functional products with 100% natural origin including Spirulina Michio, Natto Kinaza fermented soybeans and Cordyceps sinensis products that meet the standards issued by the Ministry of Health.

Workers are taking care of “Spirulina algae” in Quynh Luong commune (Quynh Luu). Photo: Van Truong

The algae farming model started operating in 2016, attracting leading experts in the field of Spirulina farming, processing and production technology. In particular, Prof. Dr. Franz Peter Monforts (Germany) directly came to the site to transfer technology, all stages from algae seed production, farming process, production expansion, biomass collection, biomass processing, product collection, drying, grinding... to the final stage of producing the product. For products in this health care field, if science and technology are not applied, will they be successful and gain consumer trust? Visiting the production facility, all stages are sterilized, ensuring food hygiene and safety.

Another product that also has a role in science is tea.Vinh Hoa herbal riceof Vinh Hoa Science and Technology Company Limited, Vinh Thanh Commune, Yen Thanh. This is one of 48 OCOP products recognized by Nghe An province in 2019 with 3 stars or more.

Mr. Phan Van Hoa - Director of Vinh Hoa Science and Technology Company Limited said: Identifying science and technology as the key to success for products, in 2016, the Company coordinated with the Department of Science and Technology, research centers to implement the project, research and build the production process, processing and development of Vinh Hoa herbal rice tea in Yen Thanh district.

The research steps are very elaborate, such as researching to determine the method and equipment for cleaning raw materials before processing, researching the optimal technological parameters for the drying process of raw materials. Determining the optimal ratio in mixing between raw materials in rice tea ingredients... According to the test results, herbal tea bags have the effect of supporting the treatment of diseases, cancer, osteoporosis... protecting the health of consumers.

Mr. Phan Van Hoa - Director of Vinh Hoa Science and Technology Company Limited added

Tea bag productsSolanum procumbensGymnema sylvestre of Pu Mat medicinal herbs... is one of the early OCOP products of Nghe An province that has been trusted and widely used by consumers. The raw materials of Solanum procumbens and Gymnema sylvestre are grown at the Center for Research on Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal Plants in Western Nghe An in the buffer zone of Pu Mat National Park, Con Cuong district, Nghe An province, at an altitude of more than 800 m above sea level.

This is a special climate and soil area of ​​Pu Mat National Park, therefore, the medicinal content of medicinal herbs is much higher than other lands (according to the analysis and testing results of the Institute of Medicinal Materials - Ministry of Health).

In addition, medicinal herbs are grown using Japanese technology with the support of Japanese experts. During the growing and caring process, the unit applies the process according to GACP standards (good agricultural and harvesting practices). Applying solar drying technology. The design, packaging and labels are quite beautiful, so this product has been favored by consumers in recent times, increasing revenue for businesses and people. The dedication and tireless investment in the product has produced prestigious products.

OCOP products are packaged quite attractively. Photo: Tran Chau - Van Truong - Thanh Phuc

To date, the province has had 48 agricultural products recognized as OCOP products by the People's Committee of Nghe An province and awarded 3-4 stars (in 2019). Products recognized as achieving the above star ratings are granted certificates by the Provincial People's Committee, are allowed to use the "OCOP Nghe An" certification mark and star ratings printed on product packaging according to the provisions of Decision No. 303/QD-UBND dated February 4, 2020 of the People's Committee of Nghe An province and current regulations. The results of the recognition and ranking are valid for 3 years from the date of signing and promulgation of the decision.

Need a synchronized solution

Mr. Hoang Nghia Nhac - Deputy Director of Nghe An Department of Science and Technology said: Most enterprises, cooperatives, and production establishments in the province have proactively implemented science and technology solutions to improve productivity and product quality.

In particular, the Department of Science and Technology focuses on supporting businesses, cooperatives, and establishments from the very first stage of production. The Department supports the transfer of scientific and technological advances, and when products are created, builds brands and trademarks for the products. Supports trade, introducing products to participate in fairs. Most of the productsOCOPall increase economic value.

In addition, the Department of Science and Technology regularly consults with the province to carry out scientific and technological tasks to contribute to improving the productivity and quality of OCOP products. Aiming at specific products, based on the socio-economic development orientation of Nghe An province, the Department of Science and Technology has developed a program to develop 100 traditional products and local specialties in the period of 2015 - 2020.

Nam Anh Soy Sauce is a famous product, achieving 4 OCOP stars in Nam Dan district. Photo: Quang An

The Department of Science and Technology has guided districts, towns and Vinh city to register and propose products, based on the annual proposals and supplements of the districts. Up to now, Nghe An has identified 159 traditional products and local specialties that can be developed into commodity products. Of these, there are 84 processed products and 75 crop and livestock products. Support 22 models of applying scientific and technological advances to production and life, etc.

However, according to experts, although there have been many policies related to supporting and encouraging research and application of science and technology in production, enterprises still face many difficulties in accessing them. Agricultural production in our province is still fragmented, small-scale production, and unsynchronized application of techniques, leading to low productivity and unstable product quality.

Traditional fish sauce products from Cua Hoi and Cua Lo are displayed in earthenware jars at the North Central Fair. Photo: Chau Lan

Not only that, the preservation and processing of agricultural products is still sketchy, spontaneous, scattered among the people, with outdated technology and low product quality. In particular, the processing of agricultural products is still quite simple, the products are brought to the market in raw form, with low economic value. Therefore, the development of OCOP products, mainly agricultural products, is still facing many difficulties in accessing science and technology and especially in promoting product consumption.

It can be affirmed that the application of science and technology is one of the important solutions to help Nghe An's OCOP products increasingly improve their quality and increase their competitiveness in the market. In the coming time, OCOP production facilities need to continue to access science and technology programs to improve their products.