Knowledge of Ngoc Linh ginseng of Kon Tum people becomes heritage

Before being scientifically researched, Ngoc Linh ginseng was discovered by the Xo Dang people (Kon Tum) for its uses, grown and used for a long time to serve their lives.

On June 9, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with the People's Committee of Tu Mo Rong District ( Kon Tum ) to announce the decision to recognize folk knowledge about Ngoc Linh ginseng as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded the decision to recognize folk knowledge about Ngoc Linh ginseng as a national intangible cultural heritage to the leaders of Tu Mo Rong and Dak Glei districts.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Accordingly, Ngoc Linh ginseng is a rare medicinal herb known as a "national treasure". This medicinal herb has long been closely associated with the lives of ethnic minorities in Kon Tum, especially the Xo Dang people. They discovered the effects of ginseng during their trips to the forest to set traps for animals and passed it down to their descendants.

The Xo Dang people call Ngoc Linh ginseng "Pom sang" - bitter root, based on the bitter taste of this plant. To them, "Pom sang" is not only a medicinal plant but also a treasure of the mountains and forests. The Xo Dang people use "Pom sang" to apply on wounds to help them heal quickly, stop bleeding, treat stomachaches, and restore health. Because of this use, the Xo Dang people also call ginseng "Po kang" - a precious medicinal plant.

Before scientific research projects were published to determine the uses of Ngoc Linh ginseng, this plant had long been discovered, grown and used by ethnic minorities in Kon Tum province, especially the Xo Dang people, to serve their lives.

Mr. Vo Trung Manh, Chairman of Tu Mo Rong District People's Committee, said that folk knowledge about Ngoc Linh ginseng is a valuable system of knowledge, formed and passed down for generations in the local ethnic minority community.

Before being scientifically researched, Ngoc Linh ginseng was discovered by the Xo Dang people for its uses, grown and used for a long time to serve their lives.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

This knowledge system includes all the knowledge about how to identify ginseng and the land where ginseng can be grown, the techniques of breeding, caring for, harvesting ginseng, and using ginseng in treating and restoring health. Along with that are the customs, habits, and spiritual rituals associated with the forest and ginseng - the elements that make up the unique and sacred identity of Ngoc Linh land.

The recognition of folk knowledge about Ngoc Linh ginseng as a national intangible cultural heritage is not only an honor for the ethnic minorities in Kon Tum but also an important turning point in the strategy of preserving and developing the Ngoc Linh ginseng region. This is the basis for the locality to be given priority in resources and policies in preserving and promoting cultural values ​​associated with ginseng. At the same time, this title helps to enhance the value of Ngoc Linh ginseng not only as a precious medicinal herb but also as a cultural resource, creating economic value and unique identity for the locality.

Within the framework of the event, Tu Mo Rong District People's Committee organized the Xo Dang cultural festival, ting ting melody contest, traditional culinary contest and many other activities.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Also on June 9, Tu Mo Rong District People's Committee held a ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the district's establishment.

According to Mr. Manh, in the early days of its establishment, Tu Mo Rong District faced numerous difficulties and challenges. The district's infrastructure was poor, transportation was difficult, people's lives were lacking, natural disasters and epidemics were rampant. However, with the efforts of the people as well as the authorities at all levels, the face of Tu Mo Rong District has been changing day by day.

Key crops such as cold-climate coffee, medicinal herbs under the forest canopy, especially Ngoc Linh ginseng, the "national treasure", have developed on an area of ​​nearly 3,000 hectares. Tourism activities have seen significant improvements through activities such as ginseng fairs, international culinary competitions on medicinal herbs, and Xo Dang ethnic cultural festivals. The rate of poor and near-poor households has decreased rapidly, from 76% in 2005 to 22% by the end of 2024.

Also within the framework of the event, the People's Committee of Tu Mo Rong district organized the opening ceremony of Ngoc Linh ginseng market, Xo Dang cultural festival, ting ting melody contest, traditional culinary contest, crossbow shooting, rice pounding, weaving contest...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hieu-biet-ve-sam-ngoc-linh-cua-nguoi-kon-tum-tro-thanh-di-san-185250609162106645.htm