Biển Hồ Tea Region Faces Existential Threat

The Biển Hồ tea region, a jewel of Gia Lai province, is teetering on the brink of decline. This iconic landscape, intertwined with the Bửu Minh pagoda and its century-old pine trees, is not just a source of agricultural produce but a vital component of the province's tourism strategy. However, the once-vibrant tea fields are now a picture of neglect, with many ancient tea plants succumbing to drought and inadequate care.

The decision by the provincial People's Committee to allow the conversion of a significant portion of the tea land to coffee cultivation, while retaining a small area for scenic purposes, has undoubtedly altered the region's agricultural identity. This move, aimed at boosting land-use efficiency, has left the remaining tea cultivation under the care of 113 households, who face the challenge of low purchase prices for their fresh tea leaves.

“

Maintaining the old tea region with low economic efficiency is creating great pressure for the business. The business still has to maintain the factory, sơ chế labor, and operate the machinery to serve the raw material area, but the business efficiency is not high.

The Biển Hồ Tea Company is bearing the brunt of this economic strain. Maintaining the aging tea plants, a task crucial for preserving the landscape and supporting tourism, has become a significant financial burden. The company's plea to the provincial authorities for support, including rent exemptions and subsidies for the contract farmers, underscores the severity of the situation. Without decisive intervention, this cherished landmark risks losing its economic value and its unique charm, disappointing visitors who come seeking its natural beauty.

“

The company has proposed that Gia Lai province consider support mechanisms to cover losses, exempt land rent, or support the people who are contracted to maintain the tea area for tourism.