Production of dried plums at Tay Bac Cooperative, Yen Chau district.

In Moc Chau district, many cooperatives have boldly invested in technology and developed OCOP products. Currently, there are 35 OCOP products in the district; of which, 13 products have achieved 4 stars and 22 products have achieved 3 stars. Many products have established a foothold in the market, such as: honey-dried plums, plum wine, dried mangoes, dried persimmons, etc.

Recognized as one of the 12 science and technology enterprises in Son La province, the 19/5 Agricultural Development Service Cooperative has 55 members and links with approximately 200 farming households, cultivating 110 hectares of various crops. Using local plum raw materials, the cooperative has invested in equipment and technology to process plum wine, plum jam, dried plums, etc. Annually, the cooperative purchases about 400 tons of plums from farmers for processing. To date, the cooperative owns 6 provincial-level OCOP products; including 3 products achieving 4-star standards (honey-dried plums, ginger-dried plums, and herbal-dried plums) and 3 products achieving 3-star standards (plum wine, apricot wine, and village chief's wine).

Mr. Mai Duc Thinh, Director of the 19/5 Agricultural Development Service Cooperative, shared: "Since 2003, the cooperative decided to experiment with processing plums into wine. With advice and assistance from the Department of Science and Technology, and support from the French organization Asodia in purchasing specialized equipment for distilling fruit wine and sending experts to help with processing techniques, the cooperative has successfully produced high-quality plum wine that retains its distinctive flavor."

In Yen Chau district, recognizing the potential and economic value of the local single-clove garlic, the Tay Bac Cooperative successfully researched and manufactured a machine for fermenting and drying black garlic. In 2018, the cooperative's black garlic reached consumers, with an initial production of about 1 ton per year. To date, the cooperative has expanded its production scale, with 15 fermentation and drying ovens, each with a capacity of 1.5 tons, producing an average of 45 tons of black garlic per year, generating revenue exceeding 10 billion VND.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen Linh, Director of the Cooperative, said: "After harvesting, fresh garlic is sorted, washed, the roots and stem ends are removed, then it is arranged in trays and continuously fermented in an oven for 30 days until the garlic peel dries out, and the cloves inside turn black, soft, chewy, and sweet. In 2020, the Cooperative registered with the District People's Committee to receive support in completing the application for the OCOP Program. To date, the Cooperative's black garlic product has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. In addition, the Cooperative has also developed other products such as black garlic soaked in honey, black garlic wine, On Oc ancient snow tea, dried male papaya flowers, dried bananas, and chewy dried plums under the brand name "Diep Bach," which are popular with consumers."

To enhance the value and competitiveness of OCOP products in the market, businesses and cooperatives in the province have proactively implemented solutions related to science and technology. Annually, the Department of Science and Technology conducts surveys and assessments of the needs of cooperatives and businesses to support the application and transfer of technology and technical advancements in production and processing; guides businesses and production units in labeling goods, designing product packaging, registering codes and barcodes, and ensuring traceability; and builds trademark protection for OCOP products. Through these activities, the production of OCOP products by cooperatives and production facilities has been promoted; to date, the province has 151 OCOP products, including 1 five-star product, 57 four-star products, and 93 three-star products.

The goal is that by 2030, at least 50% of OCOP products in the province that achieved 3-star status during the 2021-2025 period will be upgraded to 4-star; at least 10 OCOP products will meet national 5-star standards; and 40-50 provincial OCOP products will be exported abroad. The application of science and technology is one of the key factors in improving the quality and competitiveness of these products in the market.

Mr. Luu Binh Khiem, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, said: The Department continues to develop and implement scientific research projects, perfect technology, and apply technology to the production and processing of OCOP products based on the specific needs of economic organizations. It will strengthen support for businesses, cooperatives, and production facilities in establishing, managing, and developing intellectual property rights and traceability along the value chain related to OCOP products, helping businesses, cooperatives, and production facilities improve and enhance product quality, creating a foundation to promote the province's OCOP program to continue developing.

Producing OCOP products through technological investment and production linkages not only brings high economic value and efficiency, but also helps Son La's OCOP products establish a reputation and meet market demands.

Thanh Huyen