New path to development: Macadamia on forestry land

Macadamia grows well on forestry land

Implementing the Central Agricultural Extension Project, since 2012 Dien Bien Agricultural Extension Center (now Dien Bien Center for Agricultural Extension - Plant Seeds and Animals) has built intensive macadamia growing models using technically advanced varieties recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Dien Bien Phu city and districts such as Muong Ang and Tuan Giao.

The selected models are relatively concentrated, near residential areas, which is convenient for visiting and studying. The macadamia is planted on unforested land under the production forest planning, the land slopes over 150 degrees, the altitude is high, the climate is favorable which is well-suited for the ecological characteristics of the macadamia tree.

The models implement various technical solutions for farming on sloping land. The vegetation is cleared, then bulldozers are used to create rows following the contour lines. This technical measure has the effect of retaining soil and water, helping to limit erosion during the cultivation process.

Visiting the macadamia tree model planted in July 2021 by Luong Van Linh's family in Co Phay village (Muong Dang commune, Muong Ang district, Dien Bien province), we could see the investment was thorough. The entire land was leveled into evenly straight terraced plots. Between each terrace, a row of macadamia trees with different lines was planted. The tree was growing strong, reaching a height of over 1.5m. The pit for planting macadamia trees is very large as it was dug by an excavator.

“In order for the trees to reach such a height, we spend a lot of time taking care of the weeds every month because after leveling the grass grows very strong. Before and after planting, the family fills in each hole with 20-30kg of rotting chicken manure and 0.5kg of NPK fertilizer acquired thanks to the project's support fund,” said Linh.

Meanwhile, Quang Van Duong in Na Tau 2 village, Na Tau commune, Dien Bien Phu city, participated in the project in 2018 and had an area of ​​1 ha applying the project’s macadamia growing model. His family received support from the state with 165 seedlings of macadamia trees of line 741, 800, 900, 695 as well as NPK fertilizer and lime powder for 3 years.

The family intercropped macadamia with short-term agricultural crops such as cassava and corn. In the first three years, the family realized that the agricultural crops’ productivity was not inferior to the normal planted area. Macadamia trees in the third year started to bear fruit, the yield was negligible.

But this year flowers bloom in large quantities. The trees of line 741 and line 800 are full of fruits. As a result, more nuts can be collected, estimated at 3-4 kg/tree for line 741 and line 800, and 2-3 kg/tree for line 695 and line 900. The output of 4-year-old macadamia is expected at 400-500 kg of nuts/ha. With the current selling price of VND 100,000 - 120,000/kg, Duong‘s family will earn a much higher profit than planting other fruit trees in the area such as plums and tao meo (Docynia indica).

A new path for the forestry sector

According to Deputy Director of Dien Bien Sub-Department of Forestry Nguyen Mai Huong, Dien Bien currently has 3,230 ha of macadamia, of which 2,687 ha are planted pure and 543 ha are intercropped. The output in 2022 is estimated at 820 tons.

"Localities has tested all 13 macadamia lines recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Up to now, it can be confirmed that the macadamia lines are very suitable for the soil and climate conditions in the districts of Dien Bien, Muong Ang, Tuan Giao, Nam Po, Muong Nhe and Dien Bien Phu city," said Nguyen Mai Huong.

After reviewing the actual situation of agro-forestry land in the area, Dien Bien currently has over 400,000 ha of bare land without forests, of which nearly 100,000 ha are under production forest planning.

In the “2021-2030 Plan to develop macadamia trees in the province - vision to 2050", Dien Bien People's Committee is going to plant 120,478 ha of macadamia. In order to actively implement the macadamia development plan, recently the province has established a Steering Committee for the implementation of investment projects in macadamia growing areas; issue plans and organize the establishment of cooperatives in the project area to support investors in growing macadamia trees; proactively building a top-line macadamia orchard, building a seedling nursery to provide quality seedlings for people and businesses.