Pơkao forest honey – The flavor of the Dung K'no mountains and forests

In the middle of the Lang Biang forest, the people of Dung K'no, Dam Rong 4 commune, are still diligently preserving the profession of hunting wild honey. From that drop of pure golden honey, the Pơ Kao wild honey brand was born, carrying the flavor of wild flowers and the aspiration to rise of the Cil people in the highlands of Lam Dong.

The Dung K'no area, Dam Rong 4 commune, has long been known as the "green treasure" of the Lam Dong highlands. It owns more than 17,500 hectares of natural forest, accounting for 90% of the total commune area, located in the Lang Biang World Biosphere Reserve. The rich ecosystem, fresh climate and diverse wild flowers have created ideal conditions for bees to breed, creating fragrant, shimmering golden wild honey, a precious gift that nature bestows on the people of the highlands.

Mr. Long Dinh Ha Onh - Deputy Head of the Pokao Bee Cooperative Group introduces the journey of developing the Pokao Forest Honey brand by local people.

For the Cil people in Dung K'no, the wild bee hunting season, which usually takes place from April to June of the lunar calendar, has become a part of the memories of the mountains and forests. Each trip is an arduous but exciting journey, such as climbing passes, crossing streams, and crossing deep forests to find beehives perched precariously on ancient tree trunks. "This job is hard and dangerous, but thanks to it, my family has more income," said Mr. Long Dinh Ha Onh - Deputy Head of the PơKao Bee Cooperative.

According to Mr. Long Dinh Ha Onh, over time, the number of wild bees has gradually decreased, and honey production has also become more sparse. Faced with this reality, in 2021, the Pơ Kao Bee Cooperative was established with the desire to create a sustainable livelihood for the Cil ethnic people; at the same time, preserve and enhance the value of Dung K'no honey.

The name “Pơkao”, in Cil language, means “forest flower” – reminiscent of the natural fragrance of the homeland. Joining the cooperative, members can visit and learn at the Hanoi Mountain Bee Company; and be trained in the process of exploiting, processing and preserving wild honey under the collective brand.

Ong PơKao Cooperative was established with the desire to develop sustainable livelihoods for the local Cil ethnic people.

Currently, the cooperative has 37 members, many of whom are women. Since joining, they have been instructed in sustainable bee hunting techniques: not harming the bee colony, not using smoke or chemicals to ensure they return to nest the following season. Once harvested, the honey is filtered through a stainless steel membrane, and the water is separated using modern technology to preserve its natural nutrients before being bottled.

Ms. Goan (31 years old), a member of the cooperative, said that each honey collection trip lasts several days, depending on the amount of honey collected. “Since the Pơkao brand was launched, the price of honey has doubled, we women have more income, and life is less difficult than before,” she said happily.

Previously, each liter of wild honey was only sold for 350,000 - 400,000 VND, and traders even forced down the price. Now, thanks to its stable quality and brand reputation, Pơkao wild honey is sold on the market for 900,000 VND/liter. Consumers love the original flavor, rich in the taste of the mountains and forests, and the products are sold as soon as they are made. On average, people exploit about 1,000 liters each year, of which the cooperative buys 300 - 500 liters for processing and distribution.

Members of the Pokao Bee Cooperative actively participate in product introduction activities at promotional and trade promotion programs.

Not only stopping at improving quality, the cooperative also focuses on building labels, tracing origins, and announcing product quality standards. Members participate in training courses on digital marketing, brand promotion, and market connection through festivals, fairs, and local product exhibitions. These efforts have helped Pơkao wild honey gradually affirm its position in the market of highland products in Lam Dong .

At the end of 2023, the Hanging honey and Pơ Kao ground honey products will be certified with 3-star OCOP; at the same time, they will enter the final round of the 9th National Green Startup Project Competition. This is not only the pride of the Dung K'no people, but also a testament to the right direction - combining nature protection and community livelihood development.

In 2023, Pơkao honey and dried honey products will be certified as 3-star OCOP; at the same time, they will enter the final round of the 9th National Green Startup Project Competition.

In addition, Dung K'no is currently the locality implementing Project 8 under the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minority Areas for the 2021-2030 period, focusing on promoting gender equality and supporting women and children. Through the project, many women members have access to new production models, skills training and access to preferential loans. Pơkao honey - with the active participation of Cil women - is a living proof of that journey of development.

In the middle of the vast forest, the clear, golden drops of honey still contain the essence of the old forest. That sweet taste is not only a gift from nature, but also the crystallization of the sweat, effort and love of the forest of the Dung K'no people. From the beehives in the middle of the Lang Biang forest, the Pơ Kao forest honey brand is gradually spreading - carrying the scent of the forest, the taste of the land and the aspirations of the people in the highlands of Lam Dong.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/mat-ong-rung-pokao-huong-vi-cua-nui-rung-dung-k-no-395930.html