Two years ago, Giang Xuan Phan’s family in Bac Ha District could only earn more than 130 USD from planting corn a month. Now, with 2ha of angelica sinensis, she can rake in as much as 180 USD a month.

Ma Seo Van’s family has also escaped from poverty since he started planting platycodon on more than 7,000 sq. metres. With support from local authorities, his income is now stable.

Lung Phin is among the five communes in Bac Ha district planting herbal medicinal materials under the cooperation models of the government, the farmer, the business and management authority.

Ta Cong Huy, Chairman of Bac Ha District People’s Committee said There are nearly 100 households in Bac Ha District growing herbal plants. Under the province’s plan, by 2020 there will be over 80 ha of local land planting herbs.

Until now, Bac Ha District has contracts with enterprises to grow the plants on up to 150 ha, he added. 

Besides Bac Ha District, medicinal materials are also being grown in Sa Pa, Bat Xat and Si Ma Cai districts. In Sa Pa district only, over the last two years, artichoke has been planted again after many years of absence and was considered a main plant helping local people escape from poverty.

VNA