Bustling harvest of 'lovesickness herb'

In late May and early June, the people of Tan Minh and Nguyen Binh Khiem communes enthusiastically harvest tobacco (also known as love grass).

Vast tobacco fields in the communes of Tan Minh and Nguyen Binh Khiem (traditional tobacco farming areas with large-scale cultivation) are currently in harvest season. In 2026, Tan Minh commune had approximately 430 hectares of tobacco cultivation, while Nguyen Binh Khiem commune had about 230 hectares.

Farmers in Tan Minh commune are busy harvesting tobacco in the fields. The expected yield is 14-16 quintals per hectare.

The tobacco leaves are plump, juicy, and full of sap, harvested by locals under the scorching early summer sun.

The lush green tobacco leaves are a famous "specialty of love-sickness herbs."

After 5 to 6 months of care and cultivation, the village roads and fields are bustling with people harvesting herbs, cutting herbs, and drying them.

The medicinal leaves harvested from the fields are sorted by the women, judging by size, and then bundled together.

...the rolls of leaves, after being selected and trimmed, are arranged in layers.

...and coiled into large "medicinal plants".

...then it's taken to the "Thai bridge" and sliced ​​into tobacco strands.

...tobacco is now sliced ​​using machines, which is more efficient and produces more uniform tobacco strands.

...many households take advantage of the evening hours to chop medicinal herbs to avoid the scorching heat of the day.

After being sliced, the tobacco is spread evenly on bamboo trays or frames and left to dry in the sun.

Across the fields, village roads, and alleyways, a pungent yet intoxicating aroma of "lovesickness herb" permeates the air.

Sunny weather is ideal for drying herbs.

The tobacco leaves, when dried in the sun, will turn a beautiful golden color and have a rich flavor.

"Although the hot weather is hard work, it's a joy for tobacco farmers. The hotter the sun, the better the tobacco looks, the richer the flavor, and the higher the price," shared Mr. Nguyen Van Ben from Nguyen Binh Khiem commune happily.

MINH TRI

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/ron-rang-thu-hoach-tuong-tu-thao-544009.html