Multiple benefits from organic cinnamon farming

AMONG THE ENDLESS HILLS OF LAO CAI, KNOWN AS THE "SUPER CINNAMON REGION" OF THE COUNTRY, A SILENT "REVOLUTION" IS TAKING PLACE. IT IS A JOURNEY OF CONVERSION FROM TRADITIONAL FARMING METHODS TO ORGANIC FARMING METHODS, A DIRECTION THAT NOT ONLY HELPS INCREASE THE VALUE OF THE PROVINCE'S KEY PRODUCTS BUT IS ALSO A FUNDAMENTAL SOLUTION TO PROTECT THE LAND AND MEET THE TREND OF SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION.

With a total area of about 150,800 hectares, cinnamon trees have long been the economic pillar of the locality. Each year, cinnamon forests bring in a huge output of 18,000 - 22,000 tons of dry cinnamon bark, over 258,000 m³ of wood and about 1,065 tons of essential oil, creating a total value of more than 2,300 billion VND.

However, behind these impressive figures lies the concern about land degradation and unstable prices due to spontaneous development. Faced with this situation, a wave of conversion to organic farming has spread strongly, starting from the awareness of both the government and people in localities such as Tan Hop, Chau Que, and Bao Ha.

The story in Tan Hop commune is a typical example. The commune government has identified the development of organic cinnamon as the number one breakthrough.

Mr. Ha Trung Kien, Chairman of Tan Hop Commune People's Committee, shared: "Previously, small-scale production by people using traditional methods was not effective. Therefore, to increase income and product value, we determined to develop organic cinnamon products. The commune has coordinated with companies and businesses to develop processes and promote people to cultivate according to standards."

That determination has turned 1,200 hectares of cinnamon land of the commune into an organic growing area with more than 150 participating households.

Not only Tan Hop, organic cinnamon cultivation is also spreading strongly to Chau Que commune and bringing the first "sweet fruits". Of the total 7,000 hectares of cinnamon, the commune has nearly 600 hectares of organic cultivation, with 95 out of 130 participating households being granted international organic certificates such as EU, USDA.

Mr. Le Quang Dao, Chairman of Chau Que Commune People's Committee, excitedly said: "The most gratifying thing is that people's thinking has changed. People not only see the immediate economic benefits but also understand the long-term value of protecting land and water resources. We aim to increase the area of organic cinnamon to 1,000 hectares in the next 5 years."

Sharing a vision, that is the image in Bao Ha commune, one of the province's major cinnamon granaries. The consensus from the government to the people is creating a resonant strength.

Mr. Tran Trung Kien, Chairman of Bao Ha Commune People's Committee, affirmed: "Developing organic cinnamon is an inevitable way to enhance the value of local cinnamon trees. We are actively connecting businesses with people to expand the growing area, ensuring that each cinnamon product of Bao Ha when reaching consumers is the cleanest and safest product, contributing to building the Bao Ha cinnamon brand increasingly strong."

The change comes not only from policies, but also from the farmers themselves. Mr. Dang Nguyen Minh in Dai Son village, Tan Hop commune, one of the pioneers, shared: “My family has about 20 hectares of cinnamon, of which 3-4 hectares are certified organic. Since joining the chain, we have been trained in techniques, only clearing bamboo, manually weeding, and not using pesticides or chemicals. Thanks to that, the product ensures quality, has higher potential and economic efficiency.”

Perhaps the most convincing thing for farmers is the obvious economic benefits. Organic cinnamon products always have a higher selling price from 8% to 30% compared to regular cinnamon. For example, in Tan Hop, the price of organic cinnamon is 83,000 VND/kg, while regular cinnamon is only 73,000 VND/kg. The price difference and stable output have created a great motivation.

Mr. Pham Van Hieu in Tran Yen commune - who has been growing cinnamon for more than 20 years, said that since joining the organic chain, his family has not only had a higher income but also received additional rewards from the business for following the process well.

This success cannot be achieved without the role of leading enterprises such as Vietnam Cinnamon and Star Anise Production and Export Joint Stock Company (Vinasamex) or Son Ha Spices Company Limited. They not only consume products but also work closely with farmers, invest in technical training and support certification costs.

Thanks to this strong connection, the door to "difficult" markets such as the US, EU, India, Japan, and Korea has opened wide, helping the Lao Cai cinnamon brand reach far.

Beyond the economic benefits, the greater value that organic farming brings is environmental sustainability. Saying no to toxic chemicals helps protect soil ecosystems, prevent erosion and preserve groundwater. More importantly, it meets the growing demand of consumers for safe, naturally-sourced products.

It can be seen that developing organic cinnamon is a strategic direction, an “arrow hitting many targets” of Lao Cai. This is a journey of harmony between development and conservation, both improving people’s lives and protecting the ecological environment, gradually building a sustainable Vietnamese agricultural product brand on the world map.

Presented by: Van Thao

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/da-loi-ich-tu-canh-tac-que-huu-co-post880146.html