The medicinal plant cultivation model helps improve the lives of ethnic minority people and promotes sustainable agricultural economy in A Lưới district.

At the end of August, Mr. Nguyen Hai Teo in Pi Ay 2 village, Quang Nham commune, officially launched a pilot gac fruit cultivation model on an area of ​​3 hectares. This is part of a project to develop a valuable medicinal plant cultivation area, implemented by La San Production and Trading Company Limited and the local government, aiming to promote sustainable agricultural economic development in the disadvantaged mountainous region.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Teo's family was one of the first households to participate in the pilot model of gac fruit cultivation, with comprehensive support from the project. He was provided with high-quality gac seeds, organic fertilizers, and guidance on cultivation techniques according to GACP-WHO standards. In addition, a modern irrigation system was invested in to ensure water conservation and optimize yield. After 3 months of planting, the gac plants have now grown to over 2 meters tall.

Hai Teo shared: “My family received support in terms of seeds, fertilizers, and technical guidance. Gac fruit trees are not difficult to care for and have a high economic value due to the large market demand. I hope this model will help stabilize my family's income.”

Led by La San Production and Trading Company Limited and in collaboration with numerous strategic partners, the large-scale project covers a total area of ​​215 hectares, of which 210 hectares are dedicated to medicinal herb cultivation and 5 hectares to the construction of a processing, manufacturing, and preservation facility for medicinal herbs. The total investment for the project exceeds 224 billion VND, including funding from the state budget, loans, and capital from participating partners.

In Quang Nham commune, 60 hectares are allocated for cultivating valuable medicinal plants such as gac fruit, golden flower tea, and seven-leaf one-flower plant. These plants have high economic value and meet international standards for good agricultural and processing practices for medicinal plants according to GACP-WHO standards.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hai Dang, Director of La San Production and Trading Company Limited, each hectare of gac fruit can bring in an income of 70-100 million VND per year, double that of traditional crops such as rice and corn. Besides the economic benefits, the model also contributes to raising people's awareness of sustainable agriculture, protecting land resources, and minimizing the degradation of cultivated land.

"Gac fruit is a strategic product of the project. We guarantee support for farmers from cultivation to consumption, helping them develop a sustainable economy," Mr. Nguyen Hai Dang emphasized.

The medicinal plant cultivation project in Quang Nham commune is part of the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. With support from the government and community participation, the medicinal plant cultivation model helps improve the lives of ethnic minorities and promotes sustainable agricultural economic development in A Luoi.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, Deputy Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of A Luoi District, said: “With favorable natural conditions and biodiversity, the mountainous district of A Luoi has become a destination for a project to develop areas for growing valuable medicinal plants. This project is currently being implemented in Quang Nham commune and will soon be implemented in Hong Bac and A Roang communes. It not only contributes to the conservation of plant genetic resources but also promotes the local economy, creates job opportunities, and improves the lives of ethnic minority people.”

Text and photos: Bach Chau