Awakening the Potential of Organic Ancient Tea Regions in Den Sang
Explore the journey of sustainable conservation and economic development from 2,000 ancient tea trees by 41 households in Ngai Tro Village, Den Sang Commune, Lao Cai Province.
In Ngai Tro Village, Den Sang Commune (Lao Cai), over 2,000 ancient tea trees stand as centenarian witnesses of the mountains and forests, serving as the core livelihood for 41 local households. These trees have been preserved by the community as a 'forest treasure' for generations.
Mr. Tan Lao Lo, Chief of Ngai Tro Village, shared that the tea area is a common asset managed by the 41 households. Cultivation strictly follows natural standards: no pesticides are used, with manual weeding and organic manure as the only inputs. Every year, from February to April, villagers harvest the tea under strict regulations to ensure quality. At a price of 300,000 VND/kg for fresh buds, each household earns between 4.2 to 6 million VND monthly.
Den Sang ancient tea is highly valued for its traditional processing method, resulting in a distinct flavor profile with a deep green color, mild bitterness, and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. The village's management system, including supervised harvesting, effectively prevents over-exploitation and price dumping, protecting the tea population from negative impacts.
Mr. Luu Chung Thanh, Head of the Economic Division of Den Sang Commune, emphasized the potential for development linked to the quality and cultural value of the product. The local authority is collaborating with the Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to assess quality, aiming to establish a closed-loop production chain and register for organic certification. Simultaneously, the commune intends to integrate ecological tourism models to enhance economic value for the community.
Mr. Pham Trung Kien, Chairman of Den Sang Commune People's Committee, affirmed that awakening the ancient tea region aligns with the provincial strategy for ecological agriculture development. The commune is developing a project to support conservation, calling for enterprises to invest in deep processing and product off-take, aiming to transform ancient tea into a sustainable economic advantage for highland residents.