Enhancing Production of Valuable Ginseng Variety in Kon Tum Province

Expanding the Cultivation of Ngoc Linh Ginseng: Boosting Income in Kon Tum Province

Kon Tum's Ginseng Ambitions

Kon Tum Province is on a mission to expand the cultivation of the treasured Ngoc Linh ginseng and boost farmers' income. The province aspires to plant an additional 1,578 hectares of this plant in 2023, bringing the total area to 4,500 hectares. Companies such as Ngóc Linh Kon Tum Ginseng Joint Stock Company, Vingin Joint Stock Company, Sâm Ngóc Linh Tu Mǒ Rông Kon Tum Joint Stock Company, and Đăk Tô Forestry Single Member Limited Company are expected to plant the rest.

Growing Ambition, More Seedlings

This year, the province aims to grow over 15.2 million Ngoc Linh ginseng seedlings. These seedlings are carefully tended to meet the planting target set by local authorities. The province has adopted several measures to achieve this target, like urging enterprises to expedite planting and facilitating the leasing of forest lands for growing medicinal herbs.

A Wider Vision

Kon Tum is firmly established as Việt Nam's largest Ngoc Linh ginseng-growing area, with most cultivation happening in Tu Mǒ Rông District. The district and region have made substantial strides in transforming this precious plant into a valuable asset. The cultivation of Ngoc Linh ginseng doesn't only generate economic benefits but also contributes to the preservation and expansion of natural forests.

A Forestry Fortune

Ngoc Linh ginseng is grown under trees in special-use, protective, and production forests in Kon Tum. The plant was discovered in 1973 and has since thrived on thousands of hectares in the Ngoc Linh mountain range in Quảng Nam and Kon Tum provinces. Once a secret remedy used by the Xê Đăng ethnic group, Ngoc Linh ginseng has become a crucial economic crop, helping local ethnic communities improve their livelihoods.

A nursery at the Ngọc Linh Kon Tum Ginseng Joint Stock Company in Kon Tum Province. - VNA/VNS Cao Nguyên

** wealth without a price tag**

Over the years, Ngoc Linh ginseng has been developed into various products, catering to different consumer preferences. Premium products like honey, bird's nest drink, extract, and liquor have emerged, while more affordable options such as energy drinks and tea have become available. In 2016, the province's Ngoc Linh ginseng root was granted a geographical indication certificate by the National Office of Intellectual Property to protect its name and ensure authenticity.

Empowering Communities

Ngoc Linh ginseng has been a vital source of income and prosperity for many Xê Đăng ethnic households in Tu Mǒ Rông District. Over the last five years, this valuable crop has helped around 2,000 ethnic minority households escape poverty and enabled hundreds of families to achieve prosperity. The district has prioritized Ngoc Linh ginseng as a key crop for poverty alleviation and economic development.

Seeking Tourists and Tech Support

Tourism initiatives in Kon Tum have introduced ginseng garden tourism services, allowing farmers to sell their Ngoc Linh ginseng at higher prices and providing visitors an opportunity to witness the plant's natural habitat and buy genuine products. Collaborations with companies like 3T Farm can help improve the production processes and market the product effectively.

Looking to the Future

The goal of Kon Tum Province is to establish itself as a national medicinal hub and a major pharmaceutical production center by 2025, with 4,500 hectares of Ngoc Linh ginseng and 10,000 hectares of other medicinal plants in cultivation. To achieve this, the province is focusing on developing medicinal plants, with Ngoc Linh ginseng being the key crop.

A ginseng root brought to the Ngọc Linh Ginseng Competition in Kon Tum Province's Tu Mơ Rông District in 2023. The competition was organised for the first time by the district People's Committee to promote the precious ginseng and enhance its value. - VNA/VNS Photo Khoa Chương

The expansion of Ngoc Linh ginseng cultivation in Kon Tum Province aims not only to boost farmers' income but also to contribute to the preservation and expansion of natural forests.
Beyond economic benefits, the cultivation of Ngoc Linh ginseng has transformed into a valuable asset for the region, with various products like honey, bird's nest drink, extract, liquor, energy drinks, and tea now available.
Collaborations with tech companies like 3T Farm can help improve the production processes and market Ngoc Linh ginseng effectively, while tourism initiatives provide opportunities for farmers to sell their products at higher prices and allow visitors to witness the plant's natural habitat.
Kon Tum Province aspires to establish itself as a national medicinal hub and a major pharmaceutical production center, focusing on developing medicinal plants with Ngoc Linh ginseng serving as the key crop, and envisioning 4,500 hectares of Ngoc Linh ginseng and 10,000 hectares of other medicinal plants in cultivation by 2025.