“Underground Goldmine” in Northern Vietnam Empowers Farmers with Hundreds of Millions per Harvest

In the northernmost region of Vietnam, where arable land is limited and the climate is harsh, the people of Lung Cu (Tuyen Quang) have discovered a “gold mine” beneath their soil: wild ginger.

From a common spice, this indigenous ginger variety has become a staple crop, helping hundreds of households stabilize their income and gradually build wealth sustainably.

Wild ginger, growing 0.6–1m tall with large, multi-branched tubers and high essential oil content, is highly favored in the market. Beyond culinary uses, it is a valuable ingredient in traditional medicine, treating colds, coughs, bloating, and aiding digestion.

Thriving in well-drained, humus-rich soil and cool climates, wild ginger flourishes in Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Lung Cu (Tuyen Quang), gradually replacing corn as a sustainable economic alternative for farmers.

In Lung Cu, wild ginger yields average over 30 tons/ha, peaking at 50–80 tons/ha, with purchase prices ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 VND/kg, generating three times the income of corn. According to the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, Ma Xi B village is the largest ginger-growing area in the commune, with 15ha and nearly 100 participating households. The 2024 ginger harvest was bountiful, with many households earning hundreds of millions of VND, encouraging families to expand their ginger fields and abandon corn entirely.

Mr. Mi Po, Head of Ma Xi B village, shared with the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper: “Ginger has long been present but was only used domestically. When traders began purchasing it at high prices directly from the village, residents confidently shifted to commercial cultivation. Income from ginger has helped many households pay off debts, renovate homes, and invest in production. Now, almost every household grows ginger, making Ma Xi B the commune’s ginger specialty region.”

The 2024 ginger harvest was successful, with many households earning hundreds of millions of VND.

Toward Sustainable Development

However, wild ginger is susceptible to tuber rot if the soil is not thoroughly cleaned, as residual pathogens from previous crops can spread to new ones. Therefore, Lung Cu commune has organized training sessions on crop rotation, soil sanitation, and reduced pesticide use, promoting organic farming to protect the environment and enhance product quality. Rotating crops after each ginger harvest allows the soil to recover, limits pests and diseases, and supports VietGAP standards.

Beyond technical improvements, the commune is collaborating to establish the “Lung Cu Indigenous Ginger” brand, perfecting packaging, labeling, and traceability. Partnerships with processing and export companies aim to create a sustainable value chain. The ginger growers’ cooperative will ensure stable market access, enhance product value, and solidify ginger as the region’s primary crop.