From rice used to combat hunger to specialty products in Nghe An where demand exceeds supply, Nghe An province offers a wide range of culinary delights.
More than a decade ago, Japonica rice, originating from Japan, was brought to the Que Phong area to ensure food security for people in the border region. Now, this rice variety has gradually become a high-value commodity, providing border residents with a decent income and a stable market.
Rising above challenging terrain
Crossing the rugged, winding Chuoi Pass, we arrived in Tri Le commune, a border area in Que Phong district, amidst the cold winter weather and thick fog. The harvest had just ended, so almost every household had barns full of rice, the aroma of freshly harvested grains filling their daily meals.
The family of Mrs. Thò Thị Lỳ in Na Niếng village has 6 sao (approximately 0.6 hectares) of rice fields, cultivating both spring and autumn rice crops. They grow two main rice varieties: Japonica and sticky rice (Khau Cày Nọi). Japonica rice is grown on a larger area to meet daily family needs. Leading us to a metal container overflowing with freshly harvested autumn rice, Mrs. Lỳ couldn't hide her joy: “This year the weather has been favorable, the plants have grown well, so we have a much better harvest. Last year we got 3 containers, this year we have more than 4, not including the sacks we've already sold to buy things. Everyone is very happy…”
During that evening's meal, we enjoyed rice cooked with Japonica rice grown by the Hmong people here. The rice grains were large and evenly cooked, with a chewy texture, a subtle sweetness, and a wonderful aroma that impressed everyone who tasted it.
Although Japonica rice is the main rice variety of the local people, its rise to this position was not something that happened overnight. The process of this rice variety from distant Japan finding its place in the border region of Nghe An has been fraught with difficulties and challenges.
Mr. Lu Van Cuong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tri Le commune, shared: "Tri Le is a region with a unique climate, with frequent cold rains. Therefore, the crops grown here must be different varieties that are resistant to cold. More than 10 years ago, the district supported a trial planting of Japonica rice on an area of about 1 hectare. We were both happy and worried because no rice variety had previously proven effective under such harsh conditions."
“In reality, the initial trial planting yielded varying results. Some households, lacking experience, followed incorrect planting and care procedures, resulting in areas where the rice died, became infested with pests and diseases, had small grains, poor flowering, and did not achieve the expected results. This is understandable, as it was a new rice variety, and the farming skills and awareness of the highland people were still limited. However, some households that followed the correct procedures achieved unexpected results. Despite enduring a severe cold spell, they still harvested with higher yields compared to other rice varieties…” – Mr. Cuong recalled.
Recognizing the potential and importance of this rice variety in poverty reduction and food security, especially its suitability to the local weather conditions, Tri Le commune decided to expand the cultivation of Japonica rice. Learning from initial failures, and alongside training courses and guidance on proper planting and care procedures, the abundant harvests of Japonica rice have brought increasing joy to the villagers.
According to statistics, Tri Le commune has over 450 hectares of rice paddies, of which more than 50% are planted with Japonica rice, becoming the main rice variety in the locality, concentrated in the villages of Kem Don, Tan Thai, Nong, Na Nieng, Cam, Lam Hop, and Lien Hop. Yields range from 60-65 quintals/hectare, depending on the area, about 5-10 quintals/hectare higher than previous rice varieties.
Brand building
While Japonica rice was previously grown primarily to ensure food security for the population, it is now highly sought after in the market. Harvested rice is in high demand, with supply exceeding supply, providing a substantial income for farmers.
It is known that Que Phong district currently has about 600 hectares of paddy fields dedicated to Japonica rice cultivation, including 357 hectares in the spring crop and over 200 hectares in the autumn crop, mainly concentrated in the communes of Tri Le, Nam Giai, Chau Kim, etc. This area has expanded by more than 30% compared to the previous year.
According to officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Que Phong district: Previously, farmers only grew this rice variety for self-sufficiency and to meet a small local demand. In recent years, people in other areas have become aware of the delicious quality of Japonica rice and have contacted farmers to purchase it in large quantities. Japonica rice has begun to become a commodity, and many households have earned a decent income from selling it.
It is known that the price of fresh Japonica rice at the field is about 15,000 VND/kg, while the price of finished rice is 25,000 - 27,000 VND/kg, much higher than other types of rice. Many families, instead of going away to work, have returned to agriculture, especially expanding the area planted with this rice variety to earn income. According to preliminary statistics from households growing Japonica rice, only about 30% is used after harvesting, with the majority sold on the market, but the supply still does not meet the demand.
In its journey to build the brand of fragrant Japonica rice into a regional specialty product, the People's Committee of Que Phong district has approved a project to produce high-quality specialty rice from production to consumption. Simultaneously, this product has been promoted at trade fairs organized by the Department of Industry and Trade, receiving high praise from customers both within and outside the province. Currently, many companies and businesses in Hanoi and Vinh City have contacted the district to place large orders. The district is also implementing the construction of a "Model Field of High-Quality Fragrant Japonica Rice" and planning for sustainable rice production areas.
Mr. Bui Van Hien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Que Phong district, said: "The Japonica rice variety is of great importance to the locality. This variety has good cold tolerance, is suitable for the local weather conditions, has high yield and production, helps people stabilize their food supply, and has a distinctive aroma and taste, making it very popular in the market."
Besides developing model rice fields, the district is also carrying out procedures and paperwork to have Japonica rice products certified under the OCOP program by 2025, focusing on the two communes of Tri Le and Nam Giai. Once recognized as an OCOP product, it will enhance the economic value of this agricultural product and expand its reach to markets within and outside the province.
Mr. Bui Van Hien - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Que Phong District
