Dong Van Plateau residents protect mint flowers for honey production

In the Dong Van Karst Plateau, local residents are focusing on protecting mint flower areas to ensure a stable raw material source for mint honey production. Mint flowers serve as a vital natural food source for bee colonies, determining the unique flavor and high economic value of the honey.

In Tuyen Quang province, the total area of mint flowers exceeds 3,400 hectares, supporting over 49,000 bee colonies with an annual output of more than 365 tons. In Meo Vac commune, there are over 250 hectares of mint flowers and nearly 1,600 bee colonies, producing over 6.3 tons of honey annually. Four mint honey products in the commune have received OCOP certification. In Dong Van commune, the mint flower area exceeds 260 hectares with nearly 8,000 bee colonies, including five 3-star OCOP certified products.

Local authorities are providing technical guidance on planting, caring for mint plants, and pest control. Officials emphasize that maintaining these raw material areas is essential for sustainable beekeeping, though the industry faces challenges from climate change and competition for land from winter crops.