To realize the goal of developing macadamia as a key crop of the province, on May 7, 2021, the Standing Committee of the Son La provincial Party Committee issued Conclusion No. 253-KL/TU, clearly defining the development orientation of macadamia towards multi-value: increasing economic efficiency, creating jobs, stabilizing agroforestry cultivation areas, and protecting the ecological environment.

On that basis, the Provincial People's Committee developed a Plan for Macadamia development through 2025, with an orientation toward 2030. The province aims to cultivate about 5,000 hectares of macadamia by 2025 and attract investment in a suitably scaled macadamia nut processing plant. By 2030, the total macadamia cultivation area in the province is expected to reach approximately 10,000 hectares, gradually forming an efficient production, processing, and consumption chain.

According to the review, the province currently has over 16,160 hectares of production forest land without forest cover, mainly due to ineffective community management. This land fund represents a potential resource for attracting businesses and cooperatives to research and invest in developing concentrated and sustainable macadamia raw material areas.

Pioneering the province's policy, several communes in the former Quynh Nhai district were selected as pilot sites for macadamia cultivation starting in 2018. After more than six years, the macadamia cultivation area in the district has expanded to over 305 hectares, with around 20 hectares already yielding harvests, mainly in the area of the former Quynh Nhai district.

According to assessments by experts and local residents, macadamia trees are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, grow well, and produce stable yields. On average, 1 hectare currently yields 7.5 to 8 tons of fresh nuts per year. With current market prices ranging from 70,000 VND/kg (grade 1 nuts) to 30,000 VND/kg (grade 2 nuts), macadamia cultivation provides a significant source of income for farmers, contributing to the economic transformation of many rural and mountainous areas.

The development of macadamia cultivation not only creates sustainable livelihoods for ethnic communities but also contributes to reforesting barren lands and hillsides, increasing forest coverage, and effectively responding to climate change.

With a clear strategic direction, strong political will across the entire political system, and the support of the people, Son La is steadily realizing its goal of making macadamia a multi-purpose forestry crop. This effort plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural development and improving the living standards of local residents.

Quoc Tuan

Translated by Huyen Vu

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