Wild orchids and Que Phong medicinal essential oils are nurtured to start a business

(Baonghean) - The Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition of Nghe An province has aroused and promoted the enthusiasm and creativity of young people, creating a widespread influence among youth union members with many scientific and technical initiatives, actively contributing to the development of the locality.

Among the projects receiving the Nghe An Youth Science and Technology Award, the project "Building a model for commercial propagation and planting of wild orchids in Que Phong district" was highly appreciated by the Judging Council.

According to preliminary statistics, 50 orchid species have been discovered in the Pu Hoat Nature Reserve in the district. However, with the current indiscriminate and uncontrolled exploitation of forests, the natural orchid resources are increasingly depleted.

Concerned about the current situation of “bleeding” wild orchids, Ms. Vi Thi Hong in Na Nga village, Muong Nooc commune (Que Phong) is determined to develop and expand the orchid model in a commercial direction. From 2013 to now, Ms. Hong has invested in building an orchid garden model by taking seeds from the forest to preserve and maintain orchid resources in her garden.

“Up to now, the model has successfully piloted the propagation, cuttings from mother plants and seed cultivation of 20 species. Currently, there are many orchid species that can be propagated and developed commercially,” Ms. Hong said excitedly.

Ms. Vi Thi Hong (Muong Noc commune, Que Phong district) takes care of the orchid garden model. Photo: Thanh Le.

One of the creative projects that Alba Charity Fund agreed to fund this time is also located in Que Phong district.

That is the topic "Research and successful production of natural essential oils from medicinal plants in Que Phong district" by author Le Thi Minh - young teacher of Que Phong High School and colleagues.

In Que Phong area, many types of plants with scientific and economic value have been identified, including many species with essential oil value. In previous years, Que Phong was the center of cinnamon trees in Nghe An and the whole country.

With its climate and soil characteristics, cinnamon trees grown in Que Phong have high quality essential oils and a distinctive aroma. In particular, Que Phong is famous for its native cinnamon trees.

Therefore, Ms. Minh and her colleagues have researched and produced natural essential oils from available medicinal herbs to create commercial products.

Currently, essential oil products such as Cinnamon essential oil, Tangerine essential oil, Ba Chac essential oil... have created good effects and been welcomed by the market.

Talking about the current application capacity and scale, Ms. Le Thi Minh said: In Nghe An, there is no natural essential oil production facility. With the potential and advantages of raw materials as well as the current market demand and trends, expanding the production of medicinal essential oils will open up opportunities for socio-economic development, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction for mountainous districts, including Que Phong district.

Mr. Lu Dinh Thi - Secretary of Que Phong District Party Committee said: "The district has a policy of encouraging scientific and technological innovation among youth union members and we highly appreciate the creativity of the district's youth. Successful and applied scientific innovation projects will create favorable conditions for households and individuals to have more stable jobs, gradually eliminate hunger, reduce poverty and improve people's lives; at the same time, contribute to changing the production mindset towards commodities associated with the conservation of rare and valuable plants"./.

Le Thanh