Efforts made to preserve ancient shan tuyet tea trees in Ha Giang

Northern Ha Giang province’s Hoang Su Phi district, which has been recognised as part of the Ancient Tree Heritage of Vietnam, is working hard to preserve and develop the tree.

Hoang Su Phi currently has over 4,600 hectares of shan tuyet tea farm, with an output of 12,880 tonnes of fresh tea per year worth 115 billion VND.

Of the total area, about 2,000 hectares ancient tea trees with production of more than 6,000 tonnes per year.

An official survey in 2018 on tea trees growing area in the district reveals there are now over 3 million tea trees aging 200 or above growing in an area of 2,000 hectares. Among those ancient trees, over 1 million trees are qualified for the title of heritage trees. The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment has recognized 85 tea trees representing for those in five local communes: Nam Ty, Thong Nguyen, Ho Thau, Ta Su Choong and Tung San as heritage trees.

Hoang Su Phi has 25 tea processing facilities, including five cooperatives with a capacity of producing 3-5 tonnes per day, creating jobs for many local labourers with high income.

Income of shan tuyet tree farmers is about 50 million VND (2,150 USD) per year, which helps them improve the living conditions.

In August this year, the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam issued certification of geographical indication on Ha Giang shan tuyet tea in six districts and 44 communes, giving a chance for the province to promote the product wider in the global market./.

VNA