Expanding the cultivation area of ​​Ngoc Linh ginseng.

From strengthening linkages in research and gene conservation to standardizing cultivation areas, Ngoc Linh ginseng is gradually expanding its development space, aiming to complete the value chain and open up new consumer markets.

Korean tourists visit the Ngoc Linh ginseng exhibition area at the market. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

A path from the grassroots

With a natural area of ​​over 15,800 hectares, of which forest land accounts for more than 9,600 hectares, Tra Linh commune is considered the "capital" of Ngoc Linh ginseng in the mountainous area of ​​Da Nang city.

Currently, the locality has 35 household groups and 14 businesses participating in ginseng cultivation with a total area of ​​over 685 hectares. Each year, Tra Linh commune plants more than 4 million new ginseng seedlings, develops hundreds of hectares of high-value medicinal plants, and forms a concentrated raw material area.

Mr. Trinh Minh Hai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Linh commune, said that the locality has identified the development of Ngoc Linh ginseng and medicinal herbs as a strategic direction, linked to forest protection and improving people's livelihoods. This is a key industry, developing sustainably, with control, based on science and technology and the conservation of genetic resources.

However, in recent years, medicinal plant production has remained fragmented, linkages between stakeholders have been weak, and standardization of cultivation areas, traceability, and brand building have been limited. Furthermore, deep processing and commercialization of products have not reached their full potential, while the infrastructure supporting production remains inadequate.

Ngoc Linh ginseng products are displayed at a mountain market in Da Nang. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

Faced with this reality, Tra Linh commune focused on reorganizing production towards linkages, managing raw material areas according to planning, promoting the application of science and technology in seed selection and breeding, and perfecting technical processes and processing. The locality gradually standardized the growing areas, built growing area codes, a traceability system, and origin certification, contributing to increasing the value and competitiveness of its distinctive products.

Within the framework of the seminar "65 Years of Medicinal Plant Development" organized by the Institute of Medicinal Materials ( Ministry of Health ), the People's Committee of Tra Linh commune signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Institute of Medicinal Materials on research, conservation, and development of medicinal plants in the area.

The cooperation focuses on preserving the genetic resources of Ngoc Linh ginseng; selecting, breeding, and testing varieties; standardizing cultivation areas according to GACPWHO standards; establishing cultivation area codes, traceability, and transferring technical processes.

Accordingly, the two sides will cooperate in researching post-harvest technology, extracting active ingredients, and diversifying products; organizing technical training for local people; and investigating and systematizing indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants to serve the development of medicinal herbs.

"We aspire to develop Ngoc Linh ginseng in a sustainable, systematic, and controlled manner, based on science and technology, linked to forest protection, genetic resource conservation, and increased added value. Through this, we aim to complete the medicinal herb value chain in the area," Mr. Hai said.

Bringing ginseng to the streets.

Not only focusing on promoting the product in the mountainous region, the Da Nang City People's Committee has approved the plan to organize a "Monthly Ngoc Linh Ginseng Market" in An Hai ward, as proposed by the Quang Nam Ngoc Linh Ginseng Association. This activity is expected to create a highlight in trade promotion, bringing the "national treasure" Ngoc Linh ginseng closer to locals and tourists.

Bringing Ngoc Linh ginseng to the city is expected to stimulate trade, promote the product, and bring this unique mountain produce closer to tourists. Photo: DANG NGUYEN

To ensure effective implementation, the City People's Committee has assigned the Department of Industry and Trade to take the lead and coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to develop an organizational plan that ensures effectiveness and reflects the city's unique identity. The program is expected to be implemented in 2026, after which the results will be evaluated to consider maintaining it in subsequent years.

Representatives of the Quang Nam Ngoc Linh Ginseng Association stated that the unit has been tasked with proactively mobilizing resources and coordinating with relevant units to ensure sustainability, contribute to promoting the value of Ngoc Linh ginseng, and boost the local economy.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, Ho Quang Buu, also agreed with the proposal to organize the program "Journey of Ngoc Linh Ginseng National Treasure: Ngoc Linh Ginseng and Medicinal Herb Experience Space - Da Nang". The highlight of the series of events is the Da Nang International Ngoc Linh Ginseng and Medicinal Herb Festival 2026, creating an experience space to introduce, promote, and sell characteristic medicinal products, with a focus on Ngoc Linh Ginseng.

According to the plan, the program will be held monthly at the An Hai night market area (An Hai ward), from 6 PM to 11 PM on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. The market is expected to have 15-20 stalls, including an area displaying fresh ginseng; characteristic medicinal herbs such as Tra My cinnamon, Codonopsis pilosula, Dendrobium nobile, and forest honey; a processing and product experience area; and a space introducing processed products made from Ngoc Linh ginseng.

In addition, the event includes a promotional area for sponsors and organizers, a space for the gong festival, guided experiences on distinguishing real from fake ginseng, learning about the ginseng cultivation process, and stories about the Ngoc Linh ginseng region... From this market, the city government expects to welcome approximately 5,000 tourists each night for sightseeing and shopping, contributing to stimulating trade in the unique products of the mountainous region.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/mo-rong-khong-gian-phat-trien-sam-ngoc-linh-3332713.html