The tree species that helps farmers in Nghe An escape poverty

Around May, when the summer-autumn rice cultivation is completed, households in Binh Minh commune, Nghe An province will plant and grow the plant. After 3 months, the plant can be harvested.

The family of Mr. Pham Van Hong (55 years old, residing in Binh Minh commune, Nghe An province) grows more than 5 sao of wormwood. Compared to rice, the yield of wormwood is higher, sometimes 3 times higher. Thanks to growing this drought-resistant plant, his family has escaped poverty.

“The plant is easy to grow, has few pests and diseases, does not use pesticides at all, and has low investment costs. During the plant’s life cycle, it only needs to be watered three times. However, growing the plant is very hard work, requiring many days of labor to weed. Last year, my family harvested more than 800 kg of dried plants, bringing in an income of nearly 30 million VND,” said Mr. Hong.

This old farmer said that the plant was introduced to the commune decades ago. At first, people planted it in their gardens and boiled it to make cooling water. Gradually, this plant became popular in the market, so the area was expanded. The plant is drought-resistant and suitable for growing in high fields. In particular, the stronger the sunlight, the greener the plant.

After 3 months of planting and caring, people harvest to sell to traders.

Previously, nearly 2 sao of rice fields owned by Mrs. Tran Thi Ly (51 years old, resident of Binh Minh commune) were often abandoned due to drought. However, since switching to growing wormwood, it has brought outstanding results.

“Growing wormwood brings higher income than growing rice, so this year, many people have switched to growing wormwood, causing the area to increase significantly. This crop, my family’s nearly 2 sao of wormwood yielded about 500 kg of dried plants. I expect to earn 12-15 million VND after deducting expenses and care,” said Ms. Ly.

After harvesting, the dried wormwood is sold to traders or processing facilities in the commune.

In the past, the whole root of the plant was harvested, but now, according to the requirements of purchasing units, the roots of the plant must be cut. Because the roots of the plant are quite hard, harvesting also takes a lot of effort and time. Harvesting the plant is usually done during hot sunny days because it also has to be dried. On average, each sao of the plant yields 5 - 6 million VND, 2 - 3 times higher than growing rice.

After harvesting, the leaves are dried and turned evenly under the sun until the leaves can be crushed and become crispy. Sufficient sun exposure greatly affects the color, quality and preservation ability of the leaves. The leaves are dried, tied into large bundles, and shipped to traders or processing facilities in the commune.

The Artemisia vulgaris plant in Binh Minh commune has been recognized as VietGAP.

Mr. Tran Van Giang - Chairman of Binh Minh Commune People's Committee said: "Local wormwood has been recognized as VietGAP. At the end of 2022, the wormwood tea bag product of Tien Thanh Agricultural Service Cooperative was recognized by the OCOP product evaluation and classification council of Nghe An province as meeting 3-star standards (one commune one product program). As a semi-mountainous commune that is often drought-prone, wormwood has brought in good income, helping many families escape poverty."