Tra Leng expects economic breakthroughs from medicinal plants

Blessed by nature with a large area of ​​forest land, and a cool climate with high humidity, Tra Leng Commune boasts ideal conditions for developing medicinal plants.

In particular, Tra My cinnamon has long been considered a typical product of the land.

Not only does it have a unique flavour, Tra My cinnamon has a high essential oil content used in many fields such as spices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and traditional medicine.

In 2011, the granting of a geographical indication protection certificate for Tra My cinnamon bark products opened up great opportunities for the locality to affirm the brand and expand the consumption market.

At present, nearly 3,000 hectares of land in the commune have been earmarked for cinnamon cultivation, of which more than 1,000 hectares are being exploited, with an annual output of 70 - 80 tonnes of cinnamon bark.

Along with cinnamon, Tra Leng is in the planning area for the development of Ngoc Linh ginseng - a rare medicinal herb, known as the "national treasure" of Vietnam.

With about 2,000 hectares of natural forest with suitable climate and soil, Tra Leng has favourable conditions to expand into a ginseng growing area in the future.

Currently, five groups of households in the commune are actively getting involved in growing ginseng on an area of ​​24 hectares with about 60,000 seedlings supported by programmes and projects.

Initial results indicate that ginseng grows well, opening up prospects for the development of a specialized Ngoc Linh ginseng growing area, along with the processing and consumption of related products.

To spread the unique values ​​of the locality, authorities in Tra Leng Commune wish to coordinate with the twinned localities to flexibly organize annual festivals about Tra My cinnamon and Ngoc Linh ginseng.

The purpose is to promote its products and create space for cultural exchange, thereby contributing to fostering community-based tourism in the time to come.