Building the brand of Loc Hoa rice.

BPO - Loc Ninh district is considered a major rice granary of the province with 4,200 hectares. Of this, Loc Hoa commune has over 200 hectares of rice paddies, mostly cultivated by ethnic minorities. For the past two years, farmers in Loc Hoa have established a professional association for rice production and processing to improve product quality and access markets within and outside the province. At the same time, they aim to achieve OCOP quality certification to create a brand for Loc Hoa commune's rice in the future.

LOYAL TO THE "HEAVENLY GEM"

Loc Hoa has over 60% of its population belonging to ethnic minorities, the majority of whom are S'tieng and Khmer people. With a tradition of agricultural economy , they rely heavily on rice cultivation for their livelihoods. As the economy develops, rice has become a distinctive regional agricultural product.

Loc Hoa rice is grown naturally, processed by milling without polishing, and contains no preservatives, making it safe for consumers.

The S'tieng and Khmer people of Loc Hoa commune have passed down rice seeds from generation to generation to cultivate on the vast rice fields stretching across the border region. Each year, they sow the first crop of the year, planting rice for six months until the grains are plump and round. After half a year of care from farmers, enduring the sun and rain of the border region, each grain is full and heavy on the vast fields. When the rains have stopped and the sun becomes scorching, the S'tieng and Khmer people of Loc Hoa commune carry their baskets to the fields to harvest their "heavenly grains."

During the dry season, a portion of the land in Loc Hoa commune receives cool water from the irrigation canals leading from Rung Cam Lake in Loc Tan commune. The local people take advantage of this to plant short-term rice crops with traditional varieties and new short-term varieties such as Dai Thom Generation 8, ST24, OM5451, OM4900…

Ms. Thi Nhung from Hamlet 8B, Loc Hoa Commune, said: "My family grows rice twice a year, one crop lasting 6 months and the other 3 months, yielding nearly 2 tons each time. After harvesting, we select the best-looking, plump, and firm grains to use as seeds for the next season; the rest is processed and stored as food for the family and sold to the Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Association. The rice sold to the association must be grown organically and naturally, without the use of chemical fertilizers."

BRINGING RICE FROM SOC LOC HOA TO ANOTHER RANGE

From cultivating rice to meet their daily needs, the ethnic minority people of Loc Hoa commune have become aware of the potential for economic development through rice cultivation and bringing their local rice to the market. They have joined the Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Professional Association.

The rice harvested by members of the Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Professional Association is brought to the Le Quyen mill for processing.

For generations, the family of Mr. Dieu Xoi in Hamlet 8B, Loc Hoa Commune, has chosen to focus on rice cultivation, which serves as both the main source of economic development and food for the family. Mr. Dieu Xoi said: "The people here are accustomed to producing their own rice to serve their families and the local community. Because the rice we grow is cared for naturally, without the use of fertilizers or chemical pesticides; the rice grains are also milled naturally without chemicals during processing, ensuring safety and health for consumers."

The Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Professional Association, established in October 2023, has been operating effectively ever since. The association's membership is growing, and its operations are expanding. Production and processing are clearly oriented and targeted, and the association purchases products at stable prices, giving members peace of mind. To date, an average of 100 tons of Loc Hoa rice are sold annually, providing a stable income for its members.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Quyen, residing in Hamlet 8B, Loc Hoa Commune, shared: "My family's rice collection point is where members of the Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Professional Association gather their harvested rice for milling. On average, we process over 100 tons of rice annually, featuring the distinctive products of Loc Hoa Commune. Loc Hoa rice, when cooked, is very fragrant, sticky, and has its own unique flavor."

The rice from Loc Hoa is of high quality because it is grown and cared for by the local people themselves using organic farming methods, combined with traditional rice varieties such as: 6-month round-grain rice, 3-month red-grain rice, 3-month long-grain rice, and new short-day rice varieties. The rice is processed through natural milling, without polishing or preservatives, ensuring safety for consumers.

The Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Association processes and markets an average of over 100 tons of rice annually.

Ms. Duong Thi Hanh, Chairwoman of the Loc Hoa Commune Farmers' Association, said: "Since its establishment, the Loc Hoa Rice Production and Processing Professional Association has had 10 members participating with an area of ​​approximately 70 hectares of rice paddies. This model has received attention from the Provincial and District Farmers' Associations, which supported the association with a loan of 600 million VND to operate. To date, the association has become increasingly effective, with a growing number of members and improved rice production and output. To create its own brand and reputation in the market, the association has completed the application for OCOP product recognition according to regulations."

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/4/171605/xay-dung-thuong-brand-lua-gao-loc-hoa