The Power of Ginseng: Unveiling the Secrets of Quang Nam’s Precious Botanical Treasure, Ngoc Linh Ginseng

Quang Nam’s Prized Medicinal Plant

The Ngoc Linh ginseng is an exceptionally rare and valuable medicinal plant with high economic significance. The local people in the mountainous regions of Quang Nam and Kon Tum provinces carefully preserve and cultivate this precious resource.

The Xo Dang ethnic group in Tra Linh, Tra Nam, and Tra Cang communes of Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province, consider themselves the guardians of this “hidden medicinal plant.” They have traditionally lived in stilt houses built from bamboo with thatched roofs, nestled on mountainsides and hilltops. For generations, they have kept the knowledge of Ngoc Linh ginseng as their secret remedy, only to be used when illness struck. Today, many households in these communities have become prosperous due to the economic opportunities presented by this medicinal plant.

Ngoc Linh ginseng is a treasure of the Xo Dang ethnic group in Quang Nam Province Photo: Lan Anh

The recognition of Ngoc Linh ginseng as a national product by the government in 2017 marked a turning point. Quang Nam Province has since encouraged and supported the cultivation of this variety, with a focus on Nam Tra My District. The planned conservation and development area for Ngoc Linh ginseng has expanded to over 15,000 hectares, and the province is also exploring transplantation to similar localities to further increase cultivation.

To unlock the full potential of Ngoc Linh ginseng, the Quang Nam Provincial Party Committee issued a resolution in November 2024. This resolution aims to strengthen the management, conservation, and development of this precious resource until 2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2035. By 2030, the target is to develop a total of 8,400 hectares of production and supply areas in Nam Tra My District and other transplanted areas within the province. This will provide a steady supply of raw materials for the medicinal industry, serving both provincial and external markets.

Quang Nam is committed to enhancing the value of ginseng Photo: Quang Nam’s Portal

The Ngoc Linh Ginseng Development Project: A Vision for the Future

The resolution sets clear goals for the coming years. Approximately 300 to 350 hectares of ginseng will be exploited annually, yielding around 100 tons of ginseng roots aged five years or older. Additionally, original conservation areas and gardens will be established to safeguard the gene sources of Ngoc Linh ginseng in these unique ecological regions. Enterprises will collaborate with domestic and foreign scientists to process Ngoc Linh ginseng according to a carefully crafted value chain.

A diverse range of products derived from Ngoc Linh ginseng – Photo: Lan Anh

The Ngoc Linh ginseng development project is not just a local initiative; it has also garnered attention from the government. As one of the five famous ginseng varieties globally, Ngoc Linh ginseng boasts high nutritional content and offers significant health benefits. With its potential to become a key economic sector, Vietnam is poised to unlock the commercial value of this plant, which could reach billions of USD annually in the near future. The Prime Minister has recognized Ngoc Linh ginseng as a national product, and the People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province is committed to realizing its potential through the development of a dedicated medicinal industry center.

As the project progresses, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has requested the People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province to provide a concise and clear presentation, highlighting the main contents and assigning specific tasks to ensure effective implementation once approved. Enterprises, investors, organizations, and individuals are encouraged by the government to take advantage of incentive mechanisms and policies to attract investment in this promising sector.