Lang Son Province currently has over 43,300 hectares of star anise plantations. Accordingly, they generat an estimated annual value of approximately VND 1,700 billion. Organic star anise from Vietnam is increasingly spreading throughout the region.
In recent years, local farmers have primarily relied on traditional methods to grow and care for star anise trees. They did not have proper fertilization or maintenance. As a result, the trees have become weakened, more susceptible to diseases, and produce lower yields and output.
In response to this situation, the province has implemented solutions to guide farmers in adopting organic cultivation practices. These initiatives aim to improve productivity and product quality to meet the demands of processing and export.
Organic star anise from Vietnam
A typical example is Binh Gia district, where local farmers have been guided in organic star anise production. In 2019, using funds from the government, the district launched a pilot model for organic star anise from Vietnam.
Recently, the model has expanded to the communes of Hoang Van Thu, Quang Trung, Thien Hoa, and Hong Phong. Accordingly, the province has supported farmers with organic fertilizers, biological products, and technical guidance on tree care and disease prevention. As a result, farmers have gradually raised their awareness, focusing more on proper care and fertilization to improve productivity and quality.
Currently, Binh Gia district has approximately 8,700 hectares of star anise, including 150 hectares cultivated organically. In 2023, the district produced over 2,500 tons of dried star anise.
Fresh organic star anise from Vietnam
Ms. Anh, Head of the district, stated: “In the coming period, to ensure sustainable star anise development, the district will continue to coordinate with local communes and towns to organize training sessions on care and disease prevention techniques. We will also continue to promote and encourage farmers to actively expand organic star anise cultivation.”
Mr. Tai, a farmer, shared: “Previously, my family grew star anise using traditional methods. The trees were poorly developed, productivity was low, and income was minimal. Since 2019, with guidance from agricultural specialists, I have been cultivating 1,000 star anise trees organically. As a result, yields have increased and stabilized, generating an annual income of over VND 200 million for my family.”
Since 2019, the province has also conducted technical training courses and implemented four pilot organic star anise cultivation models for other districts.
Organic star anise farm
As of now, Lang Son has approximately 720 hectares of organic star anise from Vietnam. They mainly concentrated in Chi Lang, Van Quan, Binh Gia, and Bac Son districts. These organic models have helped change farmers’ production mindsets. Additonally, they have gradually been spreading and forming specialized organic star anise production zones, thereby enhancing economic efficiency.
Ms. Khanh, a provincial officer, said: “Farmers now have a changed mindset. They are paying more attention to the care and fertilization of star anise trees. They have grasped organic cultivation processes, which support healthy growth, reduce pest and disease rates, and improve product quality. This also lays the foundation for expanding organic raw material areas. As a result, star anise can meet the demands of major export markets.”
Currently, Lang Son Province has over 43,300 hectares of star anise. Of which, there are more than 28,000 hectares are in stable harvest. They produce between 8,000 to 16,000 tons of dried star anise annually. The estimated value reaches approximately VND 1,700 billion per year. It can be said that the potential and economic value of star anise cultivation in Lang Son are substantial.
Vietnamese source: https://nongsanviet.nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/mang-lai-1700-ty-dong-nam-cay-hoi-xu-lang-tao-vi-the-theo-huong-huu-co-d372460.html