From anti-hunger rice to 'supply cannot meet demand' specialty in Nghe An
If more than a decade ago, Japonica rice from Japan was brought to Que Phong land with the purpose of ensuring food for people in the border area, now, this rice variety has gradually become a high-value commodity, helping people in the border area have a good income with stable output.
Reaching out on difficult terrain
Crossing the rugged and winding Chuoi slope, we returned to the border commune of Tri Le, Que Phong district in the cold winter weather, covered in fog. The harvest season here had just ended not long ago, so almost every house had full granaries of rice, the fragrant smell of new rice in daily meals.
Mrs. Tho Thi Ly’s family in Na Nieng village has 6 sao of rice, growing both spring and summer rice, with 2 main rice varieties: Japonica and Khau Cay Noi sticky rice, of which Japonica rice is grown on a larger area to serve daily meals. Leading us to the metal bins filled with newly harvested summer rice, Mrs. Ly could not hide her joy: “This year the weather is favorable, the plants are growing well so the rice is also more. Last year there were 3 bins, now there are more than 4 bins, not to mention the bags sold to get money for shopping, the people are very excited…”.
During dinner that evening, we enjoyed rice cooked from Japonica rice of the Mong people here. The rice grains were large and even, had a sticky taste and a mild sweetness, and the fragrant smell made everyone who ate it amazed.
Although it is the main rice variety of the people here, however, for Japonica to rise to this position is not a matter of a day or two. The process of bringing rice from faraway Japan to the border region of Nghe An has gone through many difficulties and challenges.
Mr. Lu Van Cuong - Chairman of Tri Le Commune People's Committee shared: Tri Le is a land with a special climate, with a lot of cold rain, so the crops here must also be of different varieties, resistant to cold. More than 10 years ago, the district supported the experimental planting of Japonica rice with an area of about 1 hectare, we were both happy and worried because before that, no rice variety had been effective in such harsh conditions.
“In reality, the first trial plantings produced different results. Some households, due to lack of experience, followed the wrong planting and care procedures, so their rice fields died or were infected with pests and diseases, had small grains, poor flowering, and did not achieve the expected results. This is understandable because this is a new rice variety, and the cultivation level and awareness of the people in the highlands are still limited. However, some households followed the correct procedures and achieved unexpected results. Despite experiencing severe cold, they still harvested with higher yields than other rice varieties…” - Mr. Cuong recalled.
Realizing the potential and importance of this rice variety in poverty reduction, ensuring food security, especially suitable for local weather conditions, Tri Le commune has determined to expand the Japonica rice variety. Drawing on experience from the first failures, along with training courses, instructing people on planting and care methods to ensure the process, the golden Japonica seasons have brought more and more joy to the villagers.
According to statistics, the entire Tri Le commune has over 450 hectares of rice, of which more than 50% of the area is planted with Japonica rice, which has become 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. The yield ranges from 60 - 65 quintals/ha, depending on the region, about 5 - 10 quintals/ha higher than previous rice varieties.
Branding
If in the past, Japonica rice was grown with the main purpose of ensuring food for the people, now this rice variety has been favored by the market, as soon as it is harvested, there are buyers, supply cannot meet demand, bringing a good income to the people.
It is known that currently, the whole Que Phong district has about 600 hectares of rice area specializing in growing Japonica, of which the spring crop is 357 hectares, the summer-autumn crop is more than 200 hectares, mainly concentrated in the communes of Tri Le, Nam Giai, Chau Kim... This area has expanded by more than 30% compared to last year.
According to an official from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Que Phong district, in the past, people only grew this rice variety for self-sufficiency and to serve a small number of local needs. In recent years, people in the regions have known about the delicious quality of Japonica rice and have contacted to buy in large quantities. Japonica rice has begun to become a commodity, and many households have a good income from selling rice.
It is known that the price of fresh Japonica rice in the field is about 15,000 VND/kg, finished rice is 25,000 - 27,000 VND/kg, much higher than other types of rice. Many families, instead of going far away to work, have returned to agriculture, especially expanding the area of growing this rice variety to earn income. According to preliminary statistics of households growing Japonica rice, after harvesting, only about 30% is used, the remaining large amount is sold to the market, but the supply is still not enough to meet demand.
On the journey to build the Japonica fragrant rice brand into a regional product, a local specialty, the People's Committee of Que Phong district has approved the project to produce high-quality specialty rice from production to consumption. At the same time, this product has participated in trade promotion at fairs organized by the Department of Industry and Trade, which has been highly appreciated by customers inside and outside the province. Currently, many companies and enterprises in Hanoi and Vinh city have also contacted to place large orders. The district is also implementing the construction of a "Model field of Japonica fragrant specialty rice" and planning the rice production area in a sustainable direction.
Mr. Bui Van Hien - Vice Chairman of Que Phong District People's Committee said: Japonica rice variety is important to the locality. This is a variety that can withstand cold well, is suitable for the weather conditions here, has high productivity and output, helps people stabilize food, and has a delicious and characteristic flavor, so the market is very fond of it.
In addition to building model fields, the district is also carrying out procedures and documents to bring Japonica rice products to meet OCOP product standards in 2025, focusing on Tri Le and Nam Giai communes. When recognized as OCOP, the economic value of this agricultural product will be enhanced, reaching out to markets inside and outside the province.
Mr. Bui Van Hien - Vice Chairman of Que Phong District People's Committee
