Great potential to develop OCOP products from craft villages in Bac Giang
BAC GIANG – With 22 recognized craft villages and traditional craft villages, Bac Giang Province possesses vast potential for implementing the national “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) programme. Many of these craft village products have been rated under the programme, helping boost branding and increase economic value.
Unlocking local potential
The OCOP programme has become a widespread movement in agriculture and rural development, fostering the creation of region-specific agricultural products and tapping into local strengths and resources. Craft villages are considered an important foundation for localities to develop OCOP products.
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Chu rice noodles produced by Thuan Huong Cooperative, Trai Lam village, Nam Duong commune (Chu township). |
In Thu Duong hamlet, Nam Duong commune (Chu township), nearly 200 production facilities are engaged in rice noodle making.
The village produces around 13,000 tonnes of Chu rice noodles annually, generating profits of approximately 50 billion VND (2.18 million USD) a year.
Thanks to the craft, hundreds of workers are employed, earning monthly incomes of 8–8.5 million VND. This village contributes a significant number of OCOP products to the province.
According to Nguyen Van Nam, head of the cooperative group for Chu rice noodle production and consumption in Thu Duong, nearly 20 products from the village have received OCOP certification in recent years.
Local producers have also transitioned to clean energy sources, using total gas technology and investing in steam boiler systems to replace coal and firewood. Packaging and designs have been improved to meet rising market expectations.
From natural raw materials, producers have developed a wide range of noodle variants including brown rice noodles, five-colored noodles, white noodles, turmeric noodles among others, many of which have been exported to premium international markets.
Located along the Thuong River, the Da Mai ward in Bac Giang City is long known for its production of rice vermicelli and other rice-based products.
Its main offerings include regular vermicelli, brown rice vermicelli, moringa vermicelli and dried vermicelli. Local facilities supply tens of tonnes of products daily, providing stable incomes for residents and contributing to the local socio-economic transformation.
According to Da Mai authorities, the ward currently has 12 OCOP-rated products, most of which originate from its craft village. Many of these goods have been well received by domestic and international consumers. As a result, producers have seen increased profits and their products are now available in supermarkets and convenience stores.
Other notable craft villages in Bac Giang include the wine-making village of Yen Vien; traditional cake producers in Tho Ha village, Van Ha commune (Viet Yen township); noodle makers in Chau Son village, Ngoc Son commune (Tan Yen district) and rice noodle and rice paper producers in Ke village (Bac Giang City).
Supporting local producers
Bac Giang Province has prioritized identifying and selecting potential products for OCOP certification, especially those representing local cultural identity and produced in traditional craft villages. As of the end of May, more than 400 products in the province received OCOP ratings of three stars or higher.
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Rice paper production in Tho Ha village, Van Ha commune (Viet Yen township). |
According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, nearly 30 OCOP-certified products in the province originate from craft villages, all falling into the categories of processed agricultural, forestry, or aquatic products. These items are highly competitive and have growing market potential.
To maximize these strengths, the Department collaborates with local authorities annually to review registered OCOP products, providing support and guidance to help producers meet the criteria and complete necessary documentation for OCOP certification.
The province has also helped villages register intellectual property rights and obtain collective trademark certifications for products such as: rice paper and Ke rice noodles; Da Mai vermicelli (Bac Giang City); Van village wine (Viet Yen township); Chu rice noodles (Chu township); and Chau Son rice noodles (Tan Yen district).
Moreover, provincial agencies regularly assist OCOP producers from craft villages in participating in national and international trade fairs and exhibitions, boosting product promotion, brand awareness, and market expansion. Many producers have invested in upgrading machinery, equipment, and technology for key production stages.
Looking ahead, the Department of Agriculture and Environment will continue promoting craft village products through trade promotion programs and the OCOP framework. Training workshops and legal education sessions on food safety will be organized, along with support for producers in accessing information, expanding market linkages, and transitioning from traditional sales methods to e-commerce platforms.
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