Growing basil: A new model on cinnamon land.
Farmers in Que Phong district are growing basil to supply businesses as a raw material for pharmaceutical processing. This is a new model that can be replicated on a large scale.
Mr. Quang Van Quy, head of the Farmers' Association branch in Phuong Tien 2 village, Tien Phong commune (Que Phong district), is always at the forefront of local movements, especially in developing household economies. Last July, with the support of the commune's Farmers' Association, Mr. Quy implemented a basil cultivation model on a scale of 2,000 square meters.2In the home garden. Now, after more than two months of care, the plants are ready for harvest.
He said: "Following the model, we received support from the commune's Farmers' Association in terms of seeds, NPK fertilizer, and guidance on planting and caring techniques. During the care process, we found that basil plants are drought-tolerant, don't need much watering, thrive in high-lying areas, are not susceptible to pests and diseases, and many families can grow them."
“Currently, the basil is ready for harvest, but due to unfavorable weather, I'm waiting a few days. When the weather is sunny, I will harvest it, and the company will buy it right away. According to the company's instructions, the way to harvest basil is to cut the plant horizontally, sell the top part to the company, and keep the bottom part as a root to continue growing. Therefore, one planting can yield three harvests before replanting,” shared Mr. Quang Van Quy.
Mr. Luong Van Ha, Chairman of the Tien Phong Commune Farmers' Association, said: The reason the commune's Farmers' Association implemented the basil cultivation model is because a medicinal herb processing enterprise in Quy Hop district is cooperating in planting it to obtain raw materials. Initially, the commune's Farmers' Association is implementing two models: one at the household of Mr. Luong Van Quy in Phuong Tien 2 village and one in the Na Chang resettlement village, with a total area of 2,500 square meters.2.
Assessments show that households that planted and cared for the plants using proper techniques have achieved uniform growth and high yield potential. By mid-September, the basil was ready for harvest.
“The initial implementation of this model showed that basil is easy to grow on high hills, has a short growing season, and can be harvested after only two months. Recognizing that this crop doesn't require much investment and can be grown by any family, the Farmers' Association of the commune will expand the area to meet the raw material needs of businesses and increase income for farmers,” said Mr. Luong Van Ha.
Mr. Luong Van Ha also recently stated that, following the recent storms, the company has been purchasing basil plants at a price of 3,000 VND/kg for every 100m².2Farmers harvested 70-80 kg in the first crop. However, the yield will be higher in the next crop because farmers harvest by cutting the plants horizontally, so the remaining roots will sprout more. At the same time as Tien Phong commune, the Farmers' Association of Chau Kim commune also implemented a model of growing basil on an area of 800m².2.
Mr. Mac Van Tuat, Chairman of the Que Phong District Farmers' Association, stated that basil has traditionally been grown in home gardens by farmers as a spice, sold in small quantities to restaurants and eateries, yielding relatively low returns. However, with the signing of contracts by businesses for cultivation and guaranteed purchase, basil truly becomes a marketable commodity, generating income for farmers. If the businesses purchase at reasonable and consistent prices, the District Farmers' Association will direct the farmers' associations in the communes to expand the cultivated area, utilizing the available land of households to increase income.
