Ancient tea tree is the main tree of the Dao people in Cao Bo

08:45, 24/08/2023

BHG - Blessed by nature with a diverse forest ecosystem with many ancient tea trees hundreds of years old, in recent years, Cao Bo commune (Vi Xuyen) has always been interested in implementing conservation solutions, promoting the value associated with economic development from tea trees.

Located more than 15 km from the center of Vi Xuyen district, Cao Bo commune has long been famous as the leading tea growing area of the province with many ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees, which have been invested in by the people, produced according to strict processes, ensuring safety, preserving the characteristic flavor, creating a difference and creating a brand, present in many markets. Cao Bo tea is famous for its beautiful water color, when brewed it has a light green color mixed with a light yellow color like wild honey, with an attractive aroma. The tea water is fragrant, leaving a sweet taste in the mouth for a long time after drinking...

Dao ethnic girls in Lung Tao village pick Shan Tuyet tea.

Currently, Cao Bo has more than 1,000 hectares of tea, of which the harvested area is 757 hectares; the output in 2022 is estimated at 1,180 tons. In the commune, there are 3 cooperatives producing and processing tea; including 1 Golden tea product that meets 3-star OCOP standards; there is Cao Bo Organic Tea Joint Stock Company and 9 private tea production and processing facilities; the facilities operate effectively, contributing to creating jobs for many local workers. Talking to reporters, Mr. Dang Van Quang, a household participating in production for Cao Bo Shan Tuyet Tea Cooperative, said: "Since joining the cooperative, the products have been sold stably. On average, each month brings in an income of 7-12 million VND".

However, to continue developing tea plants in a sustainable direction, Cao Bo is facing significant challenges, especially the risk of degeneration of some traditional tea varieties; the quality of seedlings is not guaranteed in expanding tea acreage; a small number of people are not fully aware of the requirements for developing clean and safe tea; the technology for processing tea products does not meet practical requirements...

Accordingly, in order to continue promoting the strengths of tea production, the People's Committee of Cao Bo commune has strengthened propaganda work to the people of the commune's villages, actively participating in the production and planting of quality tea, following the direction of organic and sustainable farming. At the same time, the commune's agricultural extension officers proactively coordinate with the villages and hamlets to ensure enough quality tea varieties for the planting needs in 2023. Ensure that 100% of the commercial tea area applies effective technical measures in intensive farming. Provide guidance on tea care and harvesting according to the correct planting, intensive farming and care processes to ensure food hygiene and safety; focus on preservation and transportation to ensure good raw materials for processing.

In the long term, it is necessary to promote investment, apply scientific and technological advances in intensive tea cultivation, improve the quality of fresh tea buds, process high-quality, high-value tea. Actively diversify products, change designs and packaging, meet consumer tastes, strengthen advertising and trade promotion to both develop the domestic market and expand tea exports to high-end markets. Thereby, exploiting existing potentials, increasing the economic value of tea trees, helping farmers in the commune have conditions to increase income, develop their lives right in their hometown on the basis of sticking with traditional tea trees.

It can be seen that by proactively doing a good job of preserving and promoting the value associated with economic development from ancient tea trees, along with a clear orientation according to a specific roadmap, Cao Bo commune is helping people have more conditions to increase their income, increase the forest coverage rate, protect the ecosystem and a clean living environment.

Article and photos: Nguyen Yem

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