The current status of production of Hoai Son medicinal plant (Dioscorea persimilis Prain et Burk) in Thai Nguyen province

Abstract

The study was conducted in Thai Nguyen province in 2023 with the participation of local farmers and government leaders to evaluate the current situation and propose solutions for developing the production of Hoai Son (Dioscorea persimilis Prain et Burk) medicinal plant in Thai Nguyen province. The interview method with the participation of local people was used to collect primary data. The results showed that 85% of respondents said that Hoai Son tubers are used as food, and 75% were aware that Hoai Son has medicinal value. Regarding cultivation techniques, composted manure is mainly used (60%), bamboo and rattan materials to make trellis get the highest value (60%). Moreover, 85% of respondents stated that Hoai Son tubers are used for propagation, 70% said that the planting season is February, 55% knew that Hoai Son tubers are harvested in February and are traded without prior agreement (50%) with the main consumption in markets (55%). For storage, Hoai Son tubers are mainly preserved by burying them in moist sand (15%). The main difficulties in developing Hoai Son production are mainly related to seed sources and technical support (40%), followed by capital as well as market access (35%). From the results, it is recommended that promoting market linkages, providing varieties as well as enhancing technical support are key solutions for developing Hoai Son production in Thai Nguyen province.