(VOVWORLD) - The southernmost province of Ca Mau has implemented a wide range of solutions to develop the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program using local raw materials. Diverse designs and good quality have gradually improved the position of the specialty and OCOP products.
 Dried shrimp, honey, and crab are well known specialties of Ca Mau province. (Photo: VOV) |
Ca Mau has many potentials and advantages for the development of fisheries, agriculture, and forestry. The top products include U Minh Ha honey, Nam Can crabs, U Minh dried Siamese gourami, and Rach Goc dried shrimp.
By expanding production, improving product quality, and increasing trade promotions, local businesses have given Ca Mau’s local specialties and OCOP products a more prominent place in the market.
Le Ngoc Lam, Chairman of the Farmers Association of Ngoc Hien district, said, “Ngoc Hien, Vietnam's southernmost district, has the advantages of mangroves, fishing, and aquaculture. Most of our principal products are forms of seafood: dried shrimp, dried fish, and deep fried shrimp paste.”
“Over the years, we’ve worked with agencies at all levels to develop brands, collective marks, and certification marks. We now have 6 OCOP items, the best-known being dried shrimp and deep fried shrimp paste,” said Lam.
Ca Mau’s specialties and OCOP products all have collective marks recognized by the National Office of Intellectual Property. This has made them more widely popular.
Some of the products, like their fish sauce, are made of traditional materials, while others, like their organic rice and bird's nest products are based on new processes and techniques.
 Bird's nest products of Ty Van Yen Swallow's Nest Company. (Photo: VOV) |
Nguyen Kim Hau of Ty Van Yen Swallow's Nest Company, said, “Since we began participating in the OCOP program, we’ve promoted our products and brands. We’re trying to improve our products for export.”
According to Hau, “While building our system, we realized that our product prices were completely determined by traders, which made our profits uncertain. I hope that when farmers collaborate to form a supply chain for OCOP products, they’ll promote Ca Mau’s swallow's nests.”
Nguyen Minh Khiem, a resident of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, said, “Ca Mau has many specialties, including Nam Can crab, three-striped salted crab, and honey. Safe rice is now grown on shrimp farming land. My favorite is the shrimp, which is processed into several different products, including shredded shrimp.”
Ca Mau has 77 products recognized as OCOP items, the fourth most of the Mekong Delta’s 12 provinces. This year 40 entities in Ca Mau have submitted 62 more products for OCOP recognition.