A unique product born from the resilience of Central Vietnam

Nestled in the heartland of Central Vietnam, Quang Tri endures storms and hardships all year round. However, such harsh conditions have given rise to agricultural products with distinctive flavors and characteristics found nowhere else. Among the local enterprises striving to turn hardship into strength, the Van Di Agricultural Cooperative, based in Truong Phu commune, stands out as a pioneering model that has elevated red turmeric powder from a traditional remedy to a regional specialty that promotes health and sustains local livelihoods.

According to Mai Thi Van, Director of the Van Di Agricultural Cooperative, red turmeric has long been part of local life, used in cooking, beauty care, and as a natural remedy for stomach and intestinal diseases. From those humble, manual beginnings, we have now built a modern production line to meet the increasingly strict demands of the market. Typically, 23–25 kilograms of fresh turmeric roots yield just one kilogram of dried powder through a meticulous process of harvesting, cleaning, peeling, filtering, and refining.

“The Van Di Agricultural Cooperative was established in 2019, starting with around three hectares of turmeric fields in what was formerly Mai Thuy commune, while also purchasing turmeric from neighboring areas”, Mai Thi Van said. “Thanks to the region’s distinctive soil and the sun-drenched, windy climate of Central Vietnam, our red turmeric roots contain a naturally high curcumin content, giving the product exceptional quality and value”. 

Achieving high-quality products must begin with clean and sustainable raw materials. With a clear understanding of this principle, the Van Di Agricultural Cooperative in Truong Phu commune, Quang Tri province has adopted a production model strictly aligned with technical standards and fully compliant with food safety regulations issued by competent authorities. Every stage from seed selection, cultivation and care to harvesting is closely supervised to guarantee purity and safety. The cooperative remains firmly committed to an organic approach, refraining entirely from the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Upgrading production lines to meet market demand

Combining modern technology with traditional methods, Van Di’s red turmeric powder is produced on an advanced processing line and packaged in 0.5kg and 1kg units. The product is now distributed not only through local supermarket systems but also across various provinces and cities nationwide. It has been granted national trademark protection, certified for food safety, and consecutively recognized as an outstanding rural industrial product at both the provincial and regional levels in 2020.

Free from any chemicals or additives, Van Di’s red turmeric powder retains its authentic flavor and natural essence. It has become a familiar product in many Vietnamese households, a symbol of traditional value preservation and a testament to the cooperative’s growing reputation in the domestic market.

Mai Thi Van explained that organic turmeric cultivation requires a deep understanding of nature and ecosystems, as well as comprehensive knowledge of pest management, without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. To ensure a sustainable source of organic fertilizer, the cooperative guides farmers to recycle or purchase livestock manure and agricultural by-products for composting. The composting process not only eliminates pathogens, weed seeds, and pest larvae but also accelerates mineralization, rapidly supplying nutrients to the soil. Once matured, the compost is incorporated into the fields to support healthy turmeric growth.

Although organic farming costs are higher than traditional methods, the resulting products are safer for consumers and create a chemical-free working environment for farmers. The cooperative also strictly manages its material zones through member groups that monitor compliance and share farming experiences. As a result, after just one crop season, local farmers have mastered the essential techniques of organic turmeric cultivation, laying the groundwork for expanding production areas.

In addition to focusing on raw material zones, the cooperative has invested in modern facilities and equipment to enhance product value. Hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong have been allocated for continuous grinders, extractors, dryers, climate-controlled drying rooms, and a certified waste treatment system that ensures no environmental pollution. Wastewater is treated through multiple stages before being released, while solid residues are mixed with turmeric pulp and composted with microbial preparations to create organic fertilizer, a solution that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

During its initial phase, the cooperative’s products faced difficulties in the market due to unappealing packaging and limited public awareness. However, through persistent improvements and learning, Van Di’s red turmeric powder is now available in multiple provinces and cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, and Hanoi, and is also distributed online. On average, the cooperative purchases 60 - 70 tons of fresh turmeric annually, producing approximately 4 tons of dried turmeric powder. Fresh turmeric is bought at VND 700 - 800 thousand per quintal, while the finished powder sells for VND 30 - 50 million per ton. By employing machine drying, the turmeric powder achieves a bright color, stable moisture content, long shelf life, and guaranteed food safety.

Mai Thi Van highlighted that the cooperative carefully plans its raw material zones according to local soil conditions and selects turmeric varieties suitable for the regional climate. The cooperative guarantees product purchase from local farmers while implementing strict production procedures in accordance with food safety regulations. Every stage, from selecting raw materials, processing, and storage to packaging, incorporates modern technology and machinery, ensuring that products reach consumers at the highest quality.

Recently, the cooperative also received support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local industry authorities in terms of machinery, display equipment, and agricultural extension programs. As a result, production and business activities have become increasingly professional, contributing to higher product value and sustainable development.

Sharing the cooperative’s future direction, Mai Thi Van indicated that the Van Di Agricultural Cooperative will continue investing in additional machinery, upgrading its modern facilities, and expanding production to bring more high-quality, safe agricultural products to the market, meeting the growing demands of consumers.