Tan Phuong, Yen Bai Welcomes the New Cinnamon Harvest Season
In the highland commune of Tan Phuong, located in Lục Yên District, Yen Bai Province, the cinnamon harvest season is in full swing. Each year, the Dao ethnic communities eagerly anticipate this season, which typically falls during the lunar months of March and August when cinnamon trees begin to develop new branches and leaves. For generations, cinnamon has been not only a cultural symbol but also an economic lifeline for this mountainous region.
The Importance of Cinnamon to the Community
Cinnamon has long been recognized as a high-value crop that brings consistent income to farmers in Tan Phuong. Since its initial cultivation in 1993, the crop has flourished. Today, the commune boasts over 100 hectares of dedicated cinnamon plantations. The economic transformation has been remarkable. As of the end of 2024, despite challenges such as remote geography and limited infrastructure, the poverty rate in Tan Phuong has dropped below 12%, with an average per capita income of 35 million VND/year.
From Harvest to High-Value Products
The harvest process is more than just cutting and selling raw bark. Many households have transitioned from selective branch trimming to full-hill harvests, often employing experienced local laborers for peeling cinnamon bark to ensure premium quality. Skilled peelers emphasize that every step counts—from cutting trees correctly to peeling bark carefully to avoid cracks and blemishes. A skilled worker can produce around 5 kg of high-quality bark in just 10–15 minutes.
After harvesting, farmers now sort bark by quality: Grade A, B, C, and broken pieces. The best bark is transformed into cinnamon sticks, also known as “quế sáo,” a product highly prized for its aesthetics and aroma. Although the process is labor-intensive, these sticks command high prices—often above 70,000 VND per kilogram of dried bark.
🚀 A Shift in Local Practices
In the past, farmers sold fresh bark to traders right after harvest. Today, with better understanding of market demand, they are investing time in drying, grading, and even small-scale processing. This change has created jobs, increased incomes, and opened the door for future innovations.
Moreover, cooperatives are playing a growing role. In Trang Dinh district, cooperatives like local agricultural and forestry cooperatives have emerged, supporting collection, initial processing, and marketing. They also assist with training, technical guidance, and market linkage, ensuring fair prices and stable sales.
A Model for Sustainable Development
Local authorities have expressed strong commitment to expanding cinnamon farming in a structured, sustainable way. Working with forestry and agricultural service centers, they provide training and create planting plans tailored for each village. This support, combined with the growing interest from buyers and processors, is helping to build a robust supply chain.
Thanks to strategic investment, local know-how, and market demand, Tan Phuong is turning its cinnamon hills into a symbol of resilience and prosperity. With continued care and collaboration, this region is well on its way to becoming a leading cinnamon hub of northern Vietnam.
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