Xo Dang people link to grow ginger for export to Europe

By Vietnam Expo On 16-05-2024 at 2:42 am

'Breath of fresh air' from the ginger growing linkage model

The success story of linking ginger cultivation for export to Europe has become a source of pride for the Xo Dang people in Dak Na commune, Tu Mo Rong district, Kon Tum province.

The raw material area for growing ginger in the mountainous and forested regions of Dak Na has been carefully invested in. The land is methodically plowed into furrows and covered with plastic membranes, while ginger cultivation sites are enclosed with trellises. In Kon Trai village, many households divide tasks such as weeding and fertilizing.

The initiative to link ginger cultivation for export began in December 2021. With the goal of expanding the ginger raw material area for export, the Tu Mo Rong Agricultural and Medicinal Herb Cooperative was established. This cooperative aims to gather households in Dak Na commune to participate in a linked chain of growing ginger, turmeric, garlic, and other crops.

Mr. Ha Van Phuong, Director of the Tu Mo Rong Agricultural and Medicinal Herb Cooperative, shared that in December 2021, after conducting a survey, Dak Na commune was identified as highly suitable for developing into a ginger raw material area for export. Consequently, the Cooperative mobilized 15 households to cultivate a 3-hectare area for growing ginger and turmeric. The Dak Na Commune People's Committee supported seedlings, while the Cooperative provided assistance with planting techniques, care, and product marketing. Currently, the ginger cultivation linkage chain has expanded to over 16 hectares with 37 participating households.

To meet export requirements, the cultivation and care processes in the ginger raw material area strictly adhere to high technical standards and obtain organic certification. Collaborating with local Xo Dang people in ginger production ensures compliance with European export criteria.

Moreover, for ginger roots to be exported to European countries, the Cooperative follows several stages, including maintaining a diary on an app detailing the cultivation and care processes. This transparency allows European customers to view the product's input materials, ensuring credibility.

Mr. A Le from Kon Trai village, Dak Na commune, shared his experience as part of a cooperative group involved in ginger cultivation for the export market. Previously dependent on cassava farming, his family's economic situation was precarious. After joining the ginger cultivation model supported by the Cooperative, including seeds, fertilizers, care, and market access, Mr. A Le's family found ginger farming to be significantly more profitable. As a result, they have escaped poverty.

Likewise, Mr. A Blinh from Dak Riep 1 village, Dak Na commune, and a member of the Cooperative, shared his experience in linking with eight households to cultivate over 3 hectares of ginger. He expressed, "The ginger cultivation linkage model has brought significant economic benefits to the community." The Cooperative has committed to purchasing ginger from farmers at a price ranging from VND 7,000 to 8,000 per kilogram. Additionally, farmers receive support in the form of seeds, fertilizers, and care techniques. Mr. A Blinh noted that despite the expenses for care, ginger farming has proven more profitable compared to cassava cultivation in the past, becoming the primary crop for his family and many households in the region.

Expanding the raw material area for export

Mr. Ha Van Phuong, Director of the Tu Mo Rong Agricultural and Medicinal Herb Cooperative, emphasized that with proper planting and care, one hectare of ginger typically yields around 12 to 15 tons. The Cooperative purchases ginger from farmers at a price ranging from approximately VND 7,000 to 10,000 per kilogram, inclusive of support for seeds, fertilizers, and cultivation techniques. As a result, farmers primarily need to focus on care efforts. On average, farmers can expect to earn a profit of over VND 100 million per hectare. Compared to cassava and rice cultivation, the ginger cultivation model offers superior economic efficiency.

Looking ahead, Mr. Phuong outlined plans to expand the cultivation area to approximately 100 hectares, encompassing ginger, turmeric, and garlic. This expansion aims to boost the quantity of raw materials available for processing and export to foreign markets.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy, Chairman of the Dak Na Commune People's Committee, highlighted the alignment between the Cooperative's proposal to develop a model for cultivating organic ginger and other products for export to Europe and the local government's objectives. The policy direction of Kon Tum province and Tu Mo Rong district has been to prioritize the sustainable organic development of medicinal herb products, including ginger and turmeric.

In response to this policy, the Dak Na Commune People's Committee has facilitated the organization of village meetings, conducted dissemination campaigns, and mobilized residents. They have also conducted analyses comparing the advantages of growing ginger with other crops. These efforts aim to encourage gradual participation in the production linkage chain among residents.

Mr. Thuy noted significant changes in agricultural practices among residents who have participated in the ginger cultivation linkage over the past few years. There has been a notable introduction of mechanization into production, along with the gradual installation of economical irrigation systems. Importantly, residents' economic conditions have significantly improved compared to before their involvement in the ginger cultivation chain.

Looking ahead, Mr. Thuy affirmed that the local government will continue to support the Cooperative and residents in expanding the ginger cultivation area. This aims to establish a stable income source and develop raw material areas for export.

Mr. Vo Trung Manh, Chairman of the Tu Mo Rong District People's Committee, described the ginger cultivation linkage for export to Europe as a relatively new model for the Xo Dang people. Upon the business's survey and establishment of the cooperative for ginger cultivation, the District People's Committee promptly provided support to expedite the project's operation.

Mr. Manh highlighted the suitability of ginger cultivation for the farming methods of the Xo Dang people. He emphasized that ginger cultivation does not require advanced technology and aligns with organic practices, using minimal fertilizer. Additionally, ginger meets the desire of Xo Dang people for fast-growing crops with harvest yields. Despite not commanding high prices, the selling price of ginger still surpasses many other crops in the region.