By planting trees that spread fragrance throughout the mountains and forests, farmers in Lang Son earn 1.7 trillion VND.

With a focus on sustainable agricultural development, Lang Son province has expanded the model of organic anise cultivation in Binh Phuc commune, Van Quan district. Thanks to this new farming method, farmers have not only increased productivity but also improved product quality, bringing stable income and improving the lives of households.

Growing organic star anise doubles income.

Anise is one of the main crops and a specialty of Lang Son province, bringing high economic value. Previously, due to farming methods primarily relying on natural conditions and minimal care, anise yields were often unstable and dependent on weather. Recognizing the great economic potential of this crop, since 2015, the Lang Son Provincial Agricultural Extension Center has collaborated with households in Binh Phuc commune to improve anise cultivation techniques, aiming to increase productivity and product quality.

By 2022, the organic anise farming model was officially implemented in Binh Phuc commune, marking the beginning of a significant transformation in anise cultivation. With close guidance from agricultural extension officers, farmers gradually became familiar with organic farming methods, from applying organic fertilizers to biological pest and disease control measures, minimizing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

The delegation visited the model farm at Binh Phuc Organic Cinnamon Cooperative, Binh Phuc commune, Van Quan district, Lang Son province. Photo: Toan Nguyen

To help farmers quickly adapt to new farming methods, the Lang Son Provincial Agricultural Extension Center and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Van Quan District organized technical training courses on caring for, harvesting, and preserving star anise. Mr. Vi Van Hai, head of the Binh Phuc Organic Star Anise Cooperative, shared: “Currently, the cooperative has 35 hectares of star anise cultivation area, with 15 participating households. Previously, farmers paid little attention to the plants, resulting in low yields. Thanks to the attention of the Agricultural Extension Center in switching to organic farming, farmers received training on fertilization, pruning, and biological pest and disease control. When applying this method, star anise trees are less susceptible to pests and diseases, the fruit is larger and more beautiful, and the yield and product quality are more stable.”

Despite the advantages, the people still face some challenges. Anise production, although improved, remains heavily dependent on the weather. However, according to Mr. Hai, the switch to organic farming has helped farmers achieve more stable production and higher family incomes.

Organic farming not only improves productivity but also helps minimize negative impacts on the environment. This method encourages farmers to use organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers.

As a result, the quality of organically grown star anise is highly valued, and the selling price is more stable compared to traditional farming methods. On average, each hectare of organically grown star anise yields an income of approximately 50 million VND, many times higher than before.

The success of the organic anise farming model in Binh Phuc commune would not have been possible without the support from the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center. Through training courses and technical guidance from seed selection and care to harvesting and preservation, farmers have changed their approach and mindset in agricultural production. In particular, agricultural extension officers have always worked closely with farmers throughout the implementation process, helping to resolve difficulties and obstacles in cultivation.

Ms. Nong Thi Sinh, an official at the Van Quan District Agricultural Services Center, is instructing farmers on how to identify diseases in star anise trees and disseminating techniques for organic farming. Photo: Toan Nguyen

Mr. Lang Van Tuan, a farmer from Chi Lang ward, Lang Son city, said: “Visiting the organic star anise farming model in Binh Phuc helped me learn a lot. The care methods and cultivation processes here are very systematic, helping the plants grow better and yield higher productivity. After returning home, I will try to apply what I learned to expand production and provide better seeds to other farmers.”

Mr. Lang Van Tuan, owner of a plant nursery in Chi Lang ward, Lang Son city, shared his impressions of the visit to the model farm. Photo: Toan Nguyen

Affirming a sustainable path…

The organic star anise farming model in Binh Phuc has proven effective both economically and environmentally. Star anise yields have improved significantly, reaching 3-4 tons/ha, double the previous yield. The use of organic fertilizers also helps farmers save costs, increase profits, and protect their health. When applying organic farming techniques, star anise trees are not only healthier and less susceptible to pests and diseases, but also produce larger, more beautiful fruits with a richer aroma. This is a crucial factor in enhancing the value of Lang Son star anise products in both domestic and international markets.

"Thanks to this model, farmers are now very diligent and hardworking in fertilizing, pruning, and caring for their plants properly. The cost of organic farming is not too high, but the benefits are enormous. Not only does it increase yield, but the quality of the product is also better, and the selling price is more stable," Mr. Vi Van Hai further shared.

Mr. Hai said that he and the members of the cooperative plan to expand the cultivated area to meet the increasing demands of the market. “Currently, the demand for organic star anise is very high. We will try to replicate this model, helping local people earn more income and creating opportunities for Lang Son star anise to be known not only domestically but also to reach international markets,” Mr. Hai said.

Mr. Vi Van Hai, head of the Binh Phuc organic anise cooperative, shared with everyone about the process of cultivating organic anise. Photo: Toan Nguyen

Thanks to these efforts, a sustainable agricultural model is gradually taking shape in Binh Phuc, where people work together to develop the economy while ensuring environmental safety.

Finding a sustainable development direction for anise raw material areas.

To effectively exploit the value of Lang Son's star anise, the Lang Son Provincial Agricultural Extension Center recently organized a seminar entitled: "Solutions for intensive cultivation of star anise to enhance value and ensure sustainable development".

At the seminar, Mr. Vu Ky Nam, Director of the Lang Son Agricultural Extension Center, stated that in the current context, developing distinctive agricultural products of each locality is essential not only to increase income but also to create unique brands. Lang Son province has over 48,000 hectares of anise, and Lan Son anise is facing a great opportunity to increase its value through scientific intensive farming methods, especially as the international market is expanding.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Lang Son province, answered questions and offered solutions regarding intensive cultivation of star anise at the seminar. Photo: Toan Nguyen

According to statistics, the production of dried star anise in Lang Son reaches 10,000-16,000 tons per year, with an average yield of about 0.57 tons of dried star anise per hectare per year, generating an estimated value of 1,700 billion VND per year. This significantly contributes to the growth of the forestry sector and provides a stable source of income and pride for the people of Lang Son.

However, current harvesting and processing methods are still manual and heavily dependent on weather conditions. This significantly affects product quality and anise yield.

Therefore, the delegates attending the seminar unanimously agreed that it is necessary to quickly implement modern intensive farming models and apply science and technology to all stages of production to stabilize quality and increase the value of star anise.

A booth displaying products made from star anise at the seminar. Photo: Toan Nguyen

It is known that Lang Son province has been implementing programs to support farmers in improving production processes, guiding them in planting anise according to VietGAP standards, and applying biological products to limit the impact of pests and diseases; and has issued many policies to promote sustainable forestry development, including anise cultivation. These policies include improving production techniques, renovating anise planting areas, and building a brand for anise products.

Programs encouraging organic anise cultivation, combined with scientific research aimed at improving plant varieties, are important steps in the sustainable development of the province's anise industry.

The Lang Son Agricultural Extension Center also commits to continuing to work alongside farmers and businesses in finding solutions for intensive cultivation of star anise, aiming to ensure stable quality and yield, meeting the needs of both export and domestic markets.

Source: https://danviet.vn/trong-thu-cay-toa-mui-huong-khap-nui-rung-nong-dan-lang-son-thu-1700-ty-dong-20241029182952249.htm