Make money from leaves

Mai and Dien trees are closely associated with the lives of the people in the Northwest in general and Phu Tho in particular. However, unlike many localities that grow mai and Dien to harvest bamboo shoots and trees, people in Chan Mong have a new job - leaf picking. The unexpected income from these seemingly worthless leaves is helping many families here "make money", not only improving their livelihoods but also significantly increasing the economic value of this traditional, familiar tree.

People in Chan Mong commune converted mixed gardens with low productivity to grow mai and dien trees for leaves. This is one of the sustainable economic models in the locality.

Mai and Dien trees are both bamboo trees, do not require much care; the trees grow and develop well, yielding both bamboo shoots, leaves and old trees, and have signed long-term cooperation contracts with businesses.

Unlike seasonal bamboo shoots, mai and dien leaves can be harvested almost year-round and are priced at about 16,000 VND/kg of fresh leaves.

Leaves that are 8cm wide and 40cm long or more are called grade A leaves and have a higher selling price.

After harvesting, the leaves are bundled into bundles and neatly arranged in baskets to be transferred to the drying stage.

Leaves are dried at temperatures from 30-90 degrees, lasting 18 hours.

After drying, workers filter and classify the leaves.

This is a job suitable for many ages and works year round.

Dried mai and dien leaves have a characteristic natural aroma and are purchased by foreign businesses to wrap cakes and make traditional handicraft products.

After sorting, the leaves are carefully weighed and bundled.

Quality check before packing

Each bale of dried leaves is packaged in 25kg, priced at about 70,000 VND/kg.

From leaves that seem to bring no economic benefits, jobs and stable income have been created for many local farmers and workers.

Le Hoang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/hai-la-ra-tien-240532.htm