Ninh Binh’s OCOP revives cultural identity through bodhi leaves

The development of the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program in Ninh Binh marks an important step forward in the modernization of rural agriculture and represents an effort to promote cultural heritage.

Here, the Sinh Duoc Cooperative is known for its intricately crafted products made from Bodhi leaves, especially the leaf paintings that have earned a 4-star OCOP rating. These distinctive products, bearing sacred Buddhist symbols, are gradually being introduced to international audiences as a cultural hallmark of the ancient capital region.

Turning leaves into cultural symbols

Ms. Trinh Thi Ly, Deputy Head of the Sinh Duoc Cooperative, shared about the artisans’ process:"The fresh green Bodhi leaves, harvested from the Bai Dinh and Trang An areas, are soaked in clear water for one to two months so that the leaf flesh gradually decomposes, leaving only the delicate leaf skeleton. Step by step, the artisans skillfully smooth out any remaining leaf tissue, carefully dye the leaves, and meticulously piece them together into intricate paintings."

Through skillful and meticulous hands, the bodhi leaves are transformed into embroidered and mosaic artworks with high aesthetic and economic value. These seemingly simple leaves have become artistic materials, creating products that not only serve domestic consumers but also aim for the international market.

Ms. Ly shared that the bodhi tree is considered sacred in Buddhism because over a thousand years ago, Gautama Buddha meditated under the bodhi tree for 49 days to attain enlightenment. With this cultural depth, the Sinh Duoc Cooperative is determined to connect tourism with distinctive local identity.

“The bodhi tree is a symbol of enlightenment and the very soul of each of our products,” Ms. Ly emphasized. “Each leaf, each painting is like a tribute to life, purity, and the profound meaning of the bodhi tree in Buddhism.”

In Vietnam, Buddhism has a strong influence on spiritual life, and bodhi leaf products are always beloved by domestic customers and admired by foreign visitors.

According to Mr. Truong Quoc Bao, Deputy Director of the Ninh Binh Department of Agriculture and Environment, the OCOP program has been implemented in Ninh Binh since 2018, opening a new direction in rural agricultural development.

If previously local agricultural production mainly relied on personal experience and did not focus on increasing product value, now with OCOP, this mindset has changed. OCOP not only helps agricultural products become "commodities" but also "identities," "pride of the homeland," standardized in quality, packaging design, traceable, branded, and with a clear market.

Creativity linked with tourism and experience

A noteworthy point is that all techniques for crafting products from bodhi leaves are researched and perfected by the members of the Sinh Duoc Cooperative themselves. They are also willing to share and transfer the process to other units or welcome those interested in learning and exchanging experiences. This reflects an open and sharing spirit and a desire to expand the valuable benefits that OCOP brings.

Sinh Duoc Cooperative is a special community economic model, where disadvantaged people and those facing difficulties in accessing the labor market can still contribute their efforts and create added value right on their own homeland.

Mr. Bao added that beyond commercial production, Sinh Duoc Cooperative also aims to promote Vietnamese cultural values to the world. When a product receives the 5-star OCOP certification, the Ninh Binh provincial government encourages the use of these products as gifts on important diplomatic occasions. This is how OCOP plays the role of a “cultural ambassador” for the locality.

Most OCOP products in Ninh Binh show a clear increase in revenue and value after being recognized. The province has been acknowledged by the central government as one of the localities that implement the OCOP program well nationwide, accounting for nearly 6% of the country’s total products. It is also the first province in the country to have a 5-star OCOP product related to rural tourism.

After nearly 7 years of implementing the OCOP program, Ninh Binh province has 980 OCOP products rated 3 stars and above (including 3 products rated 5 stars, 1 potential 5-star product, 152 products rated 4 stars, and 824 products rated 3 stars).

Besides the Bodhi leaf paintings, which are a 4-star OCOP product of the province, Sinh Duoc Cooperative also has additional recognized products: Sinh Duoc foot soak salt and An Thai tea (tea made from the honeysuckle).