Typical agricultural products of Muong Chien commune, Quynh Nhai district.

Taking advantage of its favorable climate and soil, Quynh Nhai has developed many strong crops, distributed according to different regions. Among them, nearly 400 hectares of macadamia trees stand out, planted in the communes of Muong Gion, Chieng Khay, and Muong Chien. To date, a small portion of the macadamia plantations have already yielded harvests. Along with macadamia trees, the local people also develop forest-based economic activities, cultivating medicinal plants under the forest canopy, raising bees, and raising livestock to produce additional valuable commodities.

Mr. Dieu Chinh Thuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Chien commune, said: In addition to products such as forest honey, dried bamboo shoots, and dried fish raised in the lake, macadamia trees have begun to yield products; among them, macadamia nuts have been processed into macadamia wine and dried macadamia nuts.

Meanwhile, the mountainous commune of Chiềng Khay boasts honey as its flagship agricultural product, which has gained recognition and high praise from consumers for its quality. Mường Giôn commune is known for its black olive fruit; currently, the commune is preserving hundreds of ancient black olive trees. The commune's Youth Union has designed packaging for the product, including instructions and processing methods, and organizes live streams to introduce the product to customers.

Tourists learn about the products of Tu Chau Cooperative, Quynh Nhai district.

Developing medicinal plant cultivation in a sustainable manner, over the years, Tu Chau Cooperative in Chieng Khoang commune has collaborated with farmers to cultivate nearly 10 hectares of lemongrass and nearly 30 hectares of medicinal plants under the forest canopy. These are used to extract more than 10 essential oil products from lemongrass, basil, lantana, *Moringa indicum*, camphor, etc., with an annual output of over 1,000 liters. In addition, the cooperative also develops traditional glutinous rice and products such as *Khoi Nhung* leaves and *Thien Nien Kien* roots.

Mr. Lo Van Chung, Deputy Director of Tu Chau Cooperative, informed: "We have actively promoted, introduced, and sold our cooperative's products at trade fairs nationwide, receiving high praise from customers and increasing sales revenue. At the same time, we have encouraged members to actively produce according to proper procedures, improving the quality of existing products. Currently, the cooperative has Chieng Khoang sticky rice and Java lemongrass essential oil recognized as OCOP products."

In addition, Quynh Nhai district currently has more than 20 cooperatives operating in the field of aquaculture and seafood processing, with over 4,500 fish cages and a production of over 1,800 tons per year from farming and fishing. Along with selling fresh seafood, some cooperatives and households have invested in cold storage systems and machinery to process and preserve seafood products, such as: frozen fish fillets, boneless fish, various types of dried fish, shrimp paste, fermented shrimp, fish cakes, fish sausages, fish floss, etc.

Processed seafood products are sold in Quynh Nhai district.

Ms. Dao Thi Hieu, a seafood businesswoman in Muong Giang commune, has creatively processed various products such as fish cakes, fish sausages, fish floss, dried fish, and fish rolls according to safety standards to supply the local market and beyond, receiving positive feedback and high praise from consumers. Ms. Dao Thi Hieu shared: "The processed seafood products use fresh ingredients sourced from fish cage farms in the district and fish caught in the lake. The processing ensures food safety and hygiene, preserving the fresh flavor of the Da River fish. In 2022, our Da River fish cakes were recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. We are currently developing Da River fish sausages with the goal of achieving a 4-star OCOP standard, enhancing the product's value and contributing to the promotion and consumption of seafood products from the Da River lake region."

Currently, Quynh Nhai district has 4 OCOP 3-star products, including Da River fish cake, Chieng Khoang sticky rice, lemongrass essential oil, and frozen Da River fish. The district is continuing to implement policies to support and encourage cooperatives and households to develop local strengths into OCOP products. This includes focusing on potential products such as Thai fermented rice wine, bamboo shoots, black olives, green-necked duck eggs, boneless catfish, Nam Et oranges, Muong Gion sticky rice, and forest honey... which bring high and sustainable economic value.

Source: baosonla.gov.vn