Highland specialties affirm the brand

Harvesting seedless persimmons in Dong Phuc commune.

Bac Kan seedless persimmons belong to the group of smooth persimmons, the fruit is crispy, fragrant and especially seedless due to the degeneration of the kernel. Unlike common persimmon varieties, this fruit has a refreshing, crispy taste and is popular in the market.

In the northern communes, persimmon trees have been planted for a long time, many trees nearly 100 years old still produce good yield and quality fruit, typically in the communes of Quang Bach, Nam Cuong, Dong Phuc, Na Phac. Statistics in 2024 show that the area of seedless persimmons in the whole region reaches over 830 hectares.

In Na Chom village, Dong Phuc commune, the persimmon harvest this year is bustling. The whole valley is lit up in the red and yellow colors of ripe persimmon gardens. People are busy harvesting to sell to traders at prices ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 VND/kg. Previously, transportation was difficult due to narrow, steep dirt roads. The concrete road built to the production area has helped farmers more conveniently harvest and sell.

At Dong Loi Cooperative, Dong Phuc Commune, this year the unit purchases large-sized persimmons to process dried persimmons using a solar energy system. The product is chewy, sweet, easy to preserve and transport, and sells for a higher price, opening up the potential to increase the value of local persimmons.

Mr. Dong Van Loi, Director of Dong Loi Cooperative, said: In 2023, we harvested 11 tons of persimmons, in 2024 due to crop failure, the output decreased to 2 tons. This year, despite continued weather impacts, the expected yield is 5-6 tons. The Cooperative focuses on organic farming and is building an agricultural model associated with experiential tourism, aiming to bring seedless persimmons closer to consumers.

For nearly 20 years, Bac Kan province (old) has persistently implemented many programs to research and preserve seedless rose varieties. Since 2007, a series of science and technology projects have been carried out such as selecting parent trees, building nurseries, perfecting seed production processes and intensive farming techniques. Thanks to that, the locality has proactively sourced quality seeds, and at the same time transferred techniques to farmers, gradually forming concentrated production areas.

An important milestone was in 2010 when Bac Kan seedless persimmons were granted a Certificate of Geographical Indication Protection. This was considered a “passport” to help local specialties expand their markets and create a foundation for brand building. At the same time, the Seedless Persimmon Association was established, product logos and labels were designed, packaging was attached with traceability stamps, contributing to enhancing recognition.

From 2012 to 2020, many projects continued to be implemented to improve old rose areas, plant new ones in the direction of commodities, and apply advanced intensive techniques. The results showed that productivity increased by 20-25%, economic efficiency was about 20% higher than mass production.

In recent times, the province has promoted production linkages with consumption. A typical example is the chain linkage project under the National Target Program for New Rural Development chaired by Tan Phong Cooperative, Quang Bach Commune, with a scale of 33 hectares. Mr. Chu Van Ty, Director of the Cooperative, said: By participating in topics and projects, the Cooperative receives technical support, thereby expanding its linkages with local people in production and consumption, contributing to increasing the value of seedless persimmons in the locality.

According to Mr. Trieu Quang Hung, Chairman of Dong Phuc Commune People's Committee, the whole commune currently has more than 100 hectares of seedless persimmons, of which about 80% of the area has been harvested. The commune encourages people to expand the area, increase productivity, and combine the development of persimmon trees with experiential tourism.

At the same time, the locality coordinates with institutes and research centers to process dried persimmons and wind-dried persimmons, effectively implementing projects to develop seedless persimmons to increase product value in the market.

From ancient persimmon trees to well-tended gardens, from fresh persimmons to processed products, seedless persimmons are continuing the story of a highland specialty. This is a testament to the perseverance in preserving precious varieties and the effectiveness of applying science and technology in production. With these efforts, seedless persimmons are not only a traditional agricultural product, but also promise to go far, contributing to increasing income and creating sustainable livelihoods for people in the highlands.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202509/dac-san-vung-cao-khang-dinh-thuong-hieu-b4e519c/