Developing medicinal herbs under forest canopy - a sustainable direction in Khun Ha

Over the years, Khun Ha commune has always focused on developing medicinal plants under the forest canopy. From there, it helps people increase their income, creating a sustainable direction...

Previously, people in Khun Ha commune mainly grew corn and low-yield upland rice, with unstable income. Forest clearing for farming was common, affecting the upstream forest area. To change farming practices, the commune government encouraged people to grow medicinal plants under the forest canopy, which have high economic value and are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions.

People of Khun Ha commune harvest cardamom.

Khun Ha commune currently has more than 8,800 hectares of forest, of which 480 hectares are planted with medicinal plants under the forest canopy. The main crops include 440 hectares of cardamom, 29 hectares of Lai Chau ginseng, 12 hectares of cardamom and 0.5 hectares of seven-leaf-one-flower. Thanks to the cool climate and fertile soil, medicinal plants grow well, have stable productivity, and bring high economic efficiency.

Every year, people in the commune harvest about 110 tons of cardamom and 3 tons of cardamom, with an average selling price of 150,000 VND/kg. The main consumption source is through local traders and neighboring areas such as Binh Lu commune, Lao Cai province. Other medicinal plants are growing and developing well, promising to bring high income to the people.

After harvesting cardamom, people actively take care of and prepare for the next crop.

With stable output and high value, medicinal plants help many households earn many times more income than growing corn and rice before. On average, each hectare of medicinal plants brings in revenue of 80 - 200 million VND/year, depending on the type of plant and care conditions.

The family of Mr. Cu A Nha in Lao Chai 1 village is one of the typical households in growing cardamom (nearly 1 hectare). Previously, Mr. Nha only grew corn but the yield was low. Since switching to growing cardamom, the family's economy has improved and life has become less difficult.

Not only Mr. Nha's family, Lao Chai 1 village currently has 47 households growing medicinal plants under the forest canopy with a total area of ​​nearly 50 hectares, contributing significantly to economic development and forest protection.

During the process of growing medicinal plants, people in the commune proactively learn techniques and apply appropriate care methods to improve productivity and product quality. Many households improve their planting areas, combine intercropping or cover bare land and hills with green plants. Thereby, the efficiency of land use is increased, contributing to improving the ecological environment and increasing the forest cover rate in the area.

To help people master the cultivation process, reduce costs, improve productivity and product quality, Khun Ha commune pays special attention to guiding people to plant and care for medicinal plants with the right techniques. The commune government regularly coordinates with specialized agencies to organize training courses, instructing on planting techniques, care, harvesting and preserving products.

Khun Ha commune is also gradually combining the development of medicinal herb areas with community ecotourism. This is a new direction to diversify revenue sources, both exploiting natural advantages and preserving indigenous culture. The commune encourages villages to organize tours to experience the cardamom harvest season, cardamom picking season, combined with enjoying culinary delights from medicinal herbs such as herbal tea, ginseng wine, honey, cardamom, etc. Contributing to promoting the local image, introducing typical products to tourists inside and outside the province.

Growing medicinal plants under the forest canopy in Khun Ha brings double benefits: increasing income for people and contributing to protecting the ecological environment. When the forest is preserved, the water source is stable, the climate is moderate, and people's lives are gradually improved. Community awareness of forest protection has significantly increased, and illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming have decreased sharply in recent years.

Lai Chau ginseng is being promoted by Khun Ha commune, aiming to gradually increase the value of local medicinal plants.

The development of medicinal plants under the forest canopy in Khun Ha is a clear demonstration of the harmonious connection between economic development and environmental protection. From there, step by step, Khun Ha commune will become a locality with sustainable forest economic development.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/tin-noi-bat/phat-trien-duoc-lieu-duoi-tan-rung-huong-di-ben-vung-o-khun-ha-620274