Nam Khat commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province is home to more than 1,100 hectares of Son Tra trees. This tree variety provides high economic value to local people. The province is launching various methods to protect young trees from being cut down and boost Son Tra apple cultivation.

Forest rangers and forest owners are always on the lookout for potential threats to the Son Tra forest. The early harvest can lead to low production and loss in benefits to growers due to low prices. Of all 1,100 hectares for son tra trees in Nam Khat commune, 500 hectares is in harvest. Thanks to growing Son Tra, many households have earned hundreds of million each year. In 2018 more than 650 tonnes of fruits were harvested and generated more than 279,500 USD in income for the whole commune. Since local authorities implemented the development of Son Tra apple tree development scheme in 2016, Nam Khat commune has grown more than 467 hectares. This tree variety is becoming the potential economic spearhead of the province in general and Mu Cang Chai district in particular. Nam Khat authorities are enhancing protection methods as well as improving the quality and quantity of son tra apple production. This will help improve the livelihood of local people and reduce poverty for the whole community.-VNA