(kontumtv.vn) – Ngoc Linh ginseng is known as the most precious and best medicinal herb in the world up to now. This type of ginseng is currently only available in the two provinces of Kon Tum and Quang Nam, so its economic value is quite high. This leads to the situation of exploiting the brand to buy and sell real and fake Ngoc Linh ginseng; affecting the health and finances of consumers; especially directly affecting genuine ginseng growers.

Tu Mo Rong district currently has the largest area for growing Ngoc Linh ginseng in Kon Tum province, with more than 2,300 hectares. To grow ginseng that meets nutritional standards, ethnic minorities here have to spend a lot of money and effort; facing risks of weather and disease. Therefore, there are people taking advantage of the Ngoc Linh ginseng brand on social networking sites, making people extremely upset. Mr. A Ngoc in Dak Vien village, Te Xang commune, Tu Mo Rong district said: "Growing ginseng is very difficult, planting a seed costs 100,000 VND, a one-year-old tree costs 700,000 VND. I grow ginseng with difficulty but they cheated me, I am very angry, they said they have a company in Hanoi but they don't grow ginseng here, I saw the newspaper said they grow ginseng here."

Mr. A Ngom in Dak Don village, Mang Ri commune, Tu Mo Rong district suggested: “There are many fake and real ginsengs on social networks, they are sold everywhere. I suggest that the relevant agencies handle those who sell fake ginseng, so that people can feel secure in their production. Selling ginseng like that will destroy the brand of the people here.”

During the growth process, Ngoc Linh ginseng plants over 3 years old will produce seeds and it takes 5-10 years or more to reach the harvest standard. A Ngoc Linh ginseng seed currently costs from 100,000 - 120,000 VND; the price of fresh ginseng is fluctuating around 20 million VND/tael and depends on the origin, age, and crop season. The older Ngoc Linh ginseng is, the more valuable it is and the higher the nutrient content. Therefore, Ngoc Linh ginseng is sold at an expensive price.

Because of the high profits, on social networks today, many people are taking advantage of the brand to sell ginsengs with similar shapes, with prices ranging from several million, even just a few hundred thousand VND for 01 kg of Ngoc Linh Ginseng. For consumers, it is really difficult to distinguish Ngoc Linh ginseng based on the introduction videos and widespread advertising on social networks.

Meanwhile, businesses take advantage of the geographical indication area to announce the production and sale of processed products from Ngoc Linh ginseng, but do not actually grow it. Mr. Vo Trung Manh - Chairman of Tu Mo Rong District People's Committee said: "The district has also worked with forest owners, companies, households, and commune People's Committees to require households to report to local authorities when they cooperate with units, businesses, and individual households outside the ginseng growing area. From the village to the district and report to the forest owner unit so that the forest owner unit can confirm the cooperation in growing medicinal herbs, both to confirm for the unit, for the locality, for individuals when growing ginseng, they can buy and sell, make legal documents, as well as geographical indications for ginseng roots later; and to manage the introduction of ginseng plants other than Ngoc Linh ginseng into the area."

Ngoc Linh ginseng is recognized as a national treasure. The cultivation and development of this precious medicinal herb has become a model to help people, especially ethnic minorities, escape poverty and become rich. Kon Tum Provincial People's Committee is implementing many solutions to strengthen the management and protection of Ngoc Linh ginseng brand in the area. At the same time, it disseminates and propagates to help people identify Ngoc Linh ginseng products to protect consumer rights./.

Ho Jan – Duc Thang