Duong Hong promotes sustainable agriculture through star anise farming

Implementing the policy of agricultural restructuring in association with new-style rural development, in recent years, Duong Hong Commune has focused on shifting its crop structure toward higher added value and sustainable production. Among these efforts, the cultivation of medicinal plants, particularly star anise, has gradually proven its economic effectiveness.

Trieu Van Thanh from Na Nom Hamlet (Duong Hong Commune), tends star anise trees.

Star anise has been identified by the locality as a high-potential crop, well-suited to local soil conditions, climate, and farming practices. At present, the commune’s total star anise growing area exceeds 354 hectares, concentrated mainly in Na Nom, Na Nhung, Na Thang, Khuoi Ma, Khuoi Luong, and Na Lau hamlets. Of this, 106 hectares have been in stable harvest for over five years, while more than 242 hectares are in the basic growing stage and preparing for harvest. The newly planted area in 2025 stands at 5.5 hectares.

Many households have proactively shifted from low-efficiency crops to star anise, generating stable incomes. According to sector assessments, average essential oil output reaches 110–120 liters per hectare, with prices at the end of 2024 ranging from VND 350,000 to 400,000 per liter, resulting in estimated production values of VND 35–40 million per hectare per year. Preliminary processing and oil distillation are mainly carried out by households, initially meeting processing needs, creating jobs, and increasing product value.

Beyond its economic benefits, star anise offers notable advantages such as ease of cultivation, low fertilizer requirements, and good adaptability to various soil types and elevations, contributing to improved land-use efficiency and environmental protection. With strong engagement from local authorities and residents alike, the star anise cultivation model in Duong Hong is demonstrating a sound development path, supporting crop restructuring, improving incomes, and laying a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural development.

Hoang Tuyen