Initiated in Dien Bien's northern province in 2013, macadamia cultivation has not only stabilized local farmers' livelihoods but also steered local agriculture toward a new path. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development earmarked Dien Bien as a focal point for macadamia expansion in the Northwest and Central Highlands up to 2020, with prospects extending to 2030. Presently, Dien Bien stands as a prominent macadamia-producing area in the Northwest, with plantations spanning nearly 7,200 ha.
La Van Chanh, a farmer from Quai Nua commune, Tuan Giao district, shared his initial concerns about macadamia's growth and financial returns. Yet, after six years, the flourishing of his 260 trees and the complete sale of his harvest at an average rate of $3.9 per kg underscored the crop's profitability over traditional staples like corn and cassava. Quai Nua, a pioneer in macadamia farming, witnessed over 500 ha of experimental plantations in 2013. A decade later, the crop's potential for growth and economic upliftment for the community has been evident, with many households earning between $3,400 to $4,300 per season from macadamia.
In response to its success, Tuan Giao district increased its macadamia acreage in 2022, backed by special support policies for ethnic minorities under a national program. These policies include the provision of over 200 saplings and fertilizers per ha, with support extending for five years. Lo Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the commune's People's Committee, highlighted the policies' role in encouraging high-value crop investments among local residents, especially ethnic minorities.
With the area under macadamia cultivation reaching 1,000 ha by the end of 2024, surpassing the planned target by 129%, and an additional 100 ha planned for 2025, the commitment of both the administration and the community to macadamia farming is clear. The focus on processing and marketing macadamia products has been pivotal for local economic development, with processed goods like dried nuts and macadamia oil broadening market reach. Doan Thi Thoa, who operates a processing facility in Tuan Giao, purchases 80-100 tons of fresh fruits each season, with processed nuts fetching between $21.5 to $43 per kg.
Dien Bien province, aiming for 90,000 ha of macadamia by 2030, is dedicated to leveraging scientific advancements in macadamia cultivation and processing to combat poverty and elevate living standards among ethnic minorities. Partnerships with companies like TH Group are enhancing cultivation practices. By aligning macadamia farming with land use and afforestation plans, the province is not only improving the landscape but also fostering income and environmental benefits, including carbon credit opportunities.
Source: Vietnam+