The story of Nghia Binh sticky rice
15-01-2025In the heart of Nam Dinh Province, Northern Vietnam, lies a story of agricultural innovation and sustainability, as Nghia Binh Agricultural Cooperative (NBAC) takes bold steps to revive the quality of one of its most prized products: Nghia Binh sticky rice (Nep Cai Hoa Vang). The journey of this rice variety from its historical excellence to overcoming modern-day challenges highlights the intersection of tradition, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
A Deep-rooted Tradition
Nghia Binh sticky rice, particularly the famous Nep Cai Hoa Vang, has long been cherished for its unique fragrance, texture, and flavor. For NBAC, marketing this beloved product is not just a business—it’s a way of preserving local heritage while supporting the livelihoods of over 1,600 farmer members. The cooperative has built a diverse portfolio of rice products, including varieties like Dai Thom, Tam Thom, and Huyet Rong, but none have captured the community’s heart quite like Nep Cai Hoa Vang.
However, like many agricultural systems worldwide, the traditional practices that sustained this crop for generations have started to show signs of strain. The increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, combined with outdated seedling methods, has taken a toll on the quality of the rice. According to Mr. Chien, the Chairman and Director of NBAC, "Nghia Binh sticky rice is no longer as fragrant as in the past." This shift signaled a need for change—and fast.
Facing the Challenge: Climate Resilience in Action
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, NBAC set out on a path toward sustainability and quality restoration. The cooperative’s leadership, in collaboration with local Agriterra Cooperative Advisors (Agriterra Cas), began addressing the core issues via advisory services and Agriterra tool Climate Clever Check—reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and rethinking traditional farming methods.
The solution lay in organic practices, but the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. In 2023 after the business planning and advice from Agriterra CAs, the cooperative experimented with an alternative variety of sticky rice—Dong Trieu sticky rice—from Quang Ninh province. Unfortunately, the results were not promising. The differences in weather and soil quality between the two regions made the experiment a failure. However, the failure provided valuable lessons and steered NBAC toward a more informed approach in the future.
A Breakthrough in Restoration: Collaboration and Innovation
In March 2024, with renewed resolve, NBAC’s Board of Directors (BoD) and Agriterra CAs continue to explore new possibilities. Their search led them to Hai Duong Province, where they collaborated with the Conventional Rice Research and Development Center, part of the Field Crops Research Institute at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture. It was here that they discovered a promising breakthrough: a successful restoration project of the original Nep Cai Hoa Vang.
This research project had revived the original strain of Nep Cai Hoa Vang, which was prized for its quality and resilience. Thrilled by the prospect of bringing this variety back to life, NBAC purchased 55 kg of the restored rice to pilot 1 ha of Mr. Chien (the Director) in the 2024 season. This marked a pivotal moment in their journey—a return to the roots of what made Nghia Binh sticky rice famous.
The Fruits of Resilience: A Promising Harvest
The results of the pilot program in 2024 were nothing short of extraordinary. NBAC tested a combination of 1 hectare of original Nep Cai Hoa Vang of Mr. Chien and 4 hectares of its traditional Nghia Binh sticky rice of 39 households, all treated with Agri-dynamics organic fertilizer. The outcome was a resounding success: the use of pesticides was halved compared to conventional practices, and the yield per sào (360m²) increased by nearly 20-30%%, reaching 148-160 kg wet paddy rice—significantly higher than usual.
This breakthrough didn’t just boost productivity; it revitalised the rice’s once-diminished fragrance and quality. The grains were round and plump, the rice cooked to a glossy, fragrant perfection, and the sticky texture returned, delivering a stronger flavour than ever before.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
With the success of the 2024 pilot season, NBAC is now poised to take the next step in its mission to restore the original Nep Cai Hoa Vang across its entire sticky rice production area, star with around 15 ha with more than 100 households involved in 2025 season. By adopting organic fertilizers and reducing pesticide usage, the cooperative has not only improved the quality of its rice but also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
The lessons learned from these trials are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the cooperative and its farmers. As NBAC looks toward 2025, its leadership is determined to expand the organic farming initiative, ensuring that the next generation – the youth council of Nghia Binh sticky rice will be even better than before—both in quality and environmental impact.
The journey of Nghia Binh sticky rice is a long way. By blending traditional knowledge with modern science and innovative practices, NBAC is reviving an iconic product, restoring its natural beauty, and paving the way for future generations of farmers. It’s a story of perseverance, collaboration, and a deep respect for the land towards a more sustainable agricultural practice.
