Tai sticky rice - Fragrant from the origin

Nep Tai is a traditional rice variety of the Dao Que Lam ethnic group in Thuong Minh commune, Thai Nguyen province. Previously, this rice variety was cultivated by people on a small scale, mainly to serve the needs of their families. Up to now, the product has been recognized and ranked as a 4-star OCOP, opening up economic development directions for ethnic minorities in some northern communes of the province.

Tai sticky rice product of Yen Duong Cooperative achieved 4-star OCOP.

Since ancient times, Tai sticky rice has been cherished and preserved by the Phieng Phang people as a unique product of their homeland. Tai sticky rice is not only present in meals, festivals, and customs, but also contains the flavor, cultural identity and personality of the people. Tai sticky rice is crystallized from the sweat of labor, the pride forged through many generations, becoming a lasting cultural beauty in the mountains and forests of Thuong Minh.

Ms. Trieu Thi Quan (86 years old) shared: No one knows when the Tai sticky rice variety was created, since she was a child she saw people in the village growing it, mainly for food. Then when growing it organically, people began to expand the area, apply techniques to production, and improve productivity and quality.

The name “Nep Tai” in the local language means “self-returning” sticky rice. Previously, the area was only about 2 hectares, low productivity, many pests and diseases. Since 2018, realizing the potential of the Tai sticky rice variety, Yen Duong Cooperative has discussed with the people growing organic Tai sticky rice, from here the Cooperative has contributed to bringing this sticky rice variety to a new level.

According to the people, organic rice cultivation is twice as effective. Before, it was just enough to eat, but now, Tai sticky rice is gradually becoming a commodity. By 2024, the area will increase by about 25 hectares, the average yield will reach 4.2 tons/ha, and the output will be over 105 tons.

This year, Yen Duong Cooperative expanded its cooperation with people in Thuong Minh, Cho Ra communes and some localities in the North of the province, covering an area of ​​nearly 30 hectares. Ms. Trieu Thi Phuong, Head of Phieng Phang village, Thuong Minh commune, said: I and the households in the village cultivate according to the instructed techniques, the Cooperative consumes all the output products, so we are very confident in production.

This rice variety is grown in small, high terraced fields and depends on natural water sources, so it is often sown late (from June 7-20). The average planting density is 20-25 clumps/m2. About 95% of households still use the traditional method of harvesting cotton. After harvesting, people keep 20-45% for family use, the rest is sold on the market.

Ms. Ma Thi Ninh, Director of Yen Duong Cooperative, introduces Tai sticky rice to tourists.

In order to preserve and develop this rice variety, the locality has implemented many topics, projects, and support programs such as: In the period of 2021-2024, the Department of Science and Technology of Bac Kan coordinated with the Northern Mountainous Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute to implement the Project "Restoring and developing some specialty sticky rice varieties with high value in Bac Kan province". The result was the production of 160kg of super-original seeds. At the same time, the cultivation and preservation process was completed. This is the foundation for the locality to expand production towards commodities.

Another turning point is that Tai sticky rice products are recognized as meeting the 3-star OCOP standards at the provincial level (2019). In 2023, the product will be certified as 4-star OCOP. Tai sticky rice has also been granted a Certificate of Collective Trademark Registration and QR code development. In addition, Tai sticky rice products have been certified as Organic according to the National Standards for Organic Agriculture (TCVN); Japanese Agricultural Standards for Organic Cultivation (JAS); Organic Certification (PGS). These are outstanding advantages for the product to access markets with high demands on quality and origin.

Currently, the entire output of Nep Tai is purchased by Yen Duong Cooperative, the purchase price and selling price have increased by 10-15% compared to before. Nep Tai is being distributed in Thai Nguyen province and the provinces of Bac Ninh, Hanoi , Hai Phong, Tuyen Quang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nghe An, ... and some supermarket systems, chain stores, clean food in the country.

Ms. Ma Thi Ninh, Director of Yen Duong Cooperative, said: Building a standard raw material area is what we focus on. Currently, the Cooperative is cooperating with more than 200 households. The unit will continue to cooperate and guide people on the cultivation process, applying science and technology in production to bring high-quality products to the market.

Not only bringing economic efficiency, Tai sticky rice is also a bridge to preserve cultural identity. When cooked, Tai sticky rice becomes sticky, soft, and has a characteristic aroma, and is used by people in many traditional dishes such as Chung cake, Day cake, Heaven cake, Sticky rice... These rustic cakes have been present for generations in festivals and Tet feasts, closely associated with the spiritual life of the Dao Thuong Minh people.

Sticky rice fields in Tai village, Phieng Phang, seen from above.

Mr. Trung Ngoc Man, Chairman of Thuong Minh Commune People's Committee, said: The Commune People's Committee has been planning a production area of ​​about 50 hectares in the highland villages to strive to achieve an output of 200 tons of rice/year. At the same time, it reported and proposed to the province to consider preparing a dossier to grant geographical indications for the product "Nep Tai Thuong Minh" to affirm the brand and increase the value of the goods.

From a rice variety that only served families, Tai sticky rice has now become a 4-star OCOP product, protected by a trademark and positioned in the market. This journey shows that when localities know how to combine science and technology, support policies and the consensus of farmers and cooperatives, the typical rice grains of a rural area can completely enter the commodity value chain.

In the coming years, Thuong Minh commune will continue to expand its area, standardize processes and closely connect with distribution businesses to bring Tai sticky rice far and wide, becoming a "pearl" representing agricultural products of the Viet Bac region.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202508/gao-nep-tai-deo-thomtu-nguon-coi-adc2c02/