A flourishing start with organic cinnamon.

Phong Du Ha, once impoverished, now boasts a new look with solidly built houses... All these changes stem from cinnamon trees – a species considered the "green gold" of the vast forest.

Phong Du Ha, once impoverished, now boasts a new look with solidly built houses... All these changes stem from cinnamon trees – a species considered the "green gold" of the vast forest.

For generations, cinnamon trees have been closely associated with the Dao people in Phong Du Ha. More than just a medicinal herb, cinnamon is also a "poverty-alleviating and wealth-generating crop," providing a stable income and establishing the local agricultural product's position in both domestic and international markets. Previously, people only knew how to plant, harvest, and sell raw cinnamon; now, Phong Du Ha has found a sustainable path: organic cinnamon production. By leveraging the advantages of its land and focusing on improving product quality, the people have transformed their cinnamon hills into valuable assets, bringing them a prosperous and sustainable life.

Ms. Pham Phuong Chinh's family in Khe Lau village is one of the pioneering households in applying the organic cinnamon farming model. On over 5 hectares of land, Ms. Chinh resolutely says "no" to chemicals, instead using organic microbial fertilizers, caring for the soil naturally, and retaining moisture with forest leaf mats. Ms. Chinh shared: "Initially, I was worried that organic cinnamon farming would be hard work and the yield wouldn't be high. But in reality, organic cinnamon sells for a better price, has a stable market, and businesses buy directly from the farm. People can produce with peace of mind, and the land is also protected. Not only my family, but many other households in the village have switched, because organic cinnamon farming is long-term and sustainable."

Ms. Chinh's story is not unique; it has become a vivid testament to the changing economic mindset of the Dao ethnic people in this highland region. Not far from Khe Lau, the village of Ngan Vang has 76 households, and all 76 cultivate cinnamon. Those with more land own 10-20 hectares, while those with less still have 2-3 hectares. The entire village currently has over 500 hectares of organic cinnamon, generating over 10 billion VND in revenue annually. Thanks to cinnamon cultivation, 100% of the households in the village have achieved stable lives, and many have become quite well-off.

Mr. Trieu Ton Lu, who recently completed his house worth 1.8 billion VND, excitedly shared: "Cinnamon trees have changed the lives of my family and the entire village. Now, people not only have enough to eat and wear but can also provide their children with a proper education. Many families have bought cars. We told each other that only organic cinnamon cultivation can yield high prices and ensure long-term sustainability. This achievement is most clearly reflected in the rural landscape. From a time of constant struggle, nearly 100% of households now have solidly built houses, with many constructing villa-style homes worth billions of VND. Cars as a means of transportation are no longer uncommon for the people."

Mr. Trieu Tai Hien shared: "In the past, the roads were muddy, and life was incredibly difficult. Now, thanks to cinnamon, we have enough to eat and save. After each harvest, our family has surplus money to reinvest, build houses, and provide for our children's education. The important thing is that we have determined that only by growing organic cinnamon can we maintain our market."

The entire Phong Du Ha commune currently boasts over 6,000 hectares of organic cinnamon, making it one of the largest cinnamon-growing areas in the province. The local government has proactively supported the people, from technical training and brand building to connecting them with businesses for product distribution. Mr. Do Van Thanh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phong Du Ha commune, affirmed: "We have identified cinnamon as a pillar of local economic development. The commune has implemented many comprehensive solutions such as encouraging organic farming, building brands linked to traceability, and acting as a bridge to sign contracts with large companies. The goal is to convert the entire cinnamon growing area to organic production, promote the application of technology in deep processing, and create more value-added products. This will increase income and make cinnamon a 'sustainable source of wealth' for the people."

From small-scale, fragmented production driven by short-term profits, the people of Phong Du Ha have now united on a common path: organic farming, environmental protection, and enhancing product value. The vast green cinnamon hills not only provide a stable income but also contribute to building a sustainable new rural area. This once impoverished region is now rising strongly, becoming the "clean cinnamon capital" of the province, contributing to the brand recognition of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.

Presented by: Thuy Thanh

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khoi-sac-tu-que-huu-co-post883539.html