In the western communes of Quang Ngai province, Ngoc Linh ginseng is widely cultivated in the Ngoc Linh mountain area and has become a key crop that helps increase income for the local people.
Currently, Ngoc Linh ginseng is entering its fruiting and seeding season. Each plant can yield from a few to dozens of seeds, depending on the age of the plant and growing conditions. Each seed is worth about 50,000 VND. This is also the period of greatest concern for ginseng growers, as mountain rats, squirrels, and insects frequently gnaw at and damage the seeds. In particular, mountain rats, known as "noble rats," are very fond of eating Ngoc Linh ginseng seeds. Therefore, protecting the seeds is a top priority for growers.
Previously, to protect the seeds, people mainly used iron mesh to wrap the fruit clusters, but now they have switched to using lightweight plastic netting or frames. Growers insert an iron rod as a support and then cover the fruit clusters with netting. These nets are considered by ginseng growers as "armor" protecting the ginseng seeds from rats and harmful insects. This method also helps to keep the seeds from falling when ripe, minimizing loss.
These days, people, businesses, and cooperatives are busy heading to the forest to wrap ginseng seeds. Many ginseng beds stand out with colorful nets surrounding the fruit clusters, creating a characteristic scene of the ginseng seed-bearing season.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Director of Forest Stay Medicinal Herbs Tourism Cooperative, said that from June to September is the time when ginseng produces seeds, so the cooperative focuses on implementing many measures to protect it from rats and harmful insects. This is also a crucial period that determines the quality of the seed source and the economic value of Ngoc Linh ginseng.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/lam-ao-giap-bao-ve-hat-sam-ngoc-linh-post859385.html
