The family of Quàng Thị Thoa, from Minh Thắng village, Quài Nưa commune, applies a process of drying, cracking, packaging, and labeling macadamia nuts. Since 2017, Thoa has been researching and learning the process of macadamia nut processing. By applying science and technology in the processing, her macadamia nuts retain their natural flavor and high nutritional value.

Fresh macadamia nuts, after removing their outer shells, are thoroughly cleaned and then dried using industrial drying machines, ensuring safety for consumers. The dried macadamia nuts are packaged, labeled, and have a QR code for clear traceability. Initially, the product only served local customers, but now the dried macadamia nuts from Thoa’s family are widely accepted by consumers and are available in large supermarkets in Hanoi, Hồ Chí Minh City, and beyond.

Currently, along with her dried macadamia nuts, which have achieved an OCOP (One Commune One Product) 3-star certification, Thoa’s family also produces other macadamia products such as macadamia salt, macadamia wine, macadamia kernels, and macadamia oil.

Thoa shared: “With nearly 100 square meters of workshop space, two drying machines, one cracking machine, one vacuum machine, and one packaging machine, our family processes 15-20 tons of fresh macadamia nuts annually for people in the area. With prices ranging from VND 280,000 - 300,000 per kilogram of dried macadamia nuts, we earn over VND 40 million per year after expenses.”

Not only does she help increase the value of the product and create a stable income for her family, but Thoa also provides seasonal employment for 5-10 workers, earning VND 3-5 million per month. Currently, Thoa’s family has signed agreements to purchase fresh macadamia nuts from many households in the Tuần Giáo district.

Đỗ Trung Hiền, from Ly Xôm village, Chiềng Sinh commune, in addition to bringing in foreign bee species (Italian bees) to produce high-quality honey, also actively applies scientific techniques in beekeeping, processing, and preserving honey. Hiền uses a honey dehumidifying machine to reduce the water content to 17-18%, making the honey tastier, purer, and less likely to ferment, ensuring longer shelf life. Currently, Chiềng Sinh honey has achieved the OCOP 3-star product standard, with an average market price of VND 180,000 - 200,000 per liter (dehydrated honey), providing a stable income of over VND 50 million per year for Hiền.

To facilitate access to technological advancements, Tuần Giáo district has implemented various support activities, such as organizing seminars, training, and sharing experiences on applying new scientific techniques in production; promoting the cultivation and care of macadamia trees; and organizing coffee picking and care festivals. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Farmers’ Association, and the district’s Agricultural Services Center have organized training sessions for local people on macadamia and coffee cultivation techniques. As a result, the application of science and technology in production and processing in the district has made significant progress, gradually increasing income and helping to reduce poverty, especially for the ethnic minority communities.

Currently, Tuần Giáo district has established specialized areas for coffee, macadamia, and fruit tree cultivation. The district now has nearly 6,000 hectares of macadamia trees, over 1,500 hectares of coffee, 1,292 hectares of rubber, and over 700 hectares of various fruit trees (mangoes, pineapples, pears, pomelos, and longans). Many ethnic minority millionaires now have an income of VND 200-500 million per year from growing coffee, macadamia, and fruit trees in highland communes such as Tỏa Tình, Pú Nhung, and Quài Nưa.

The application of machinery and equipment in the production and processing of agricultural products in Tuần Giáo district has brought high economic efficiency. It also opens up a new direction in the transformation from pure agricultural production to commercial production, enhancing the competitiveness of products in the market, reducing labor costs, and lowering production costs. This contributes to the industrialization of rural areas, solving employment issues, and increasing income for local people.