Coming to Cai Keo hamlet, we can see thousands of macadamia trees which are 3-4 meters high, with dark green leaves on the hills. The macadamia trees have taken root in this land for 5 years and are growing quite well.

Quang Van Duy, secretary of the Party cell and head of the hamlet, said that in 2018, in response to the commune's macadamia growing policy, 62 households in the hamlet registered to plant 38 hectares of macadamia intercropped with tea and coffee. Now some areas have started to produce fruit.

In 2022, the hamlet harvested one ton of macadamia nuts and sold them to Dat Thuy One Member Co., Ltd., in sub-area 19, Co Noi commune, Mai Son district for 70,000 VND per kg, earning 70 million VND (2,983 USD). “To make people feel secure in production, we have signed a contract with the company to purchase products every year,” Duy said.

Luong Van Hoach, a resident of Cai Keo hamlet, said his family has 2 hectares of macadamia intercropped with tea and is supported by Son Mai One Member Company Limited in Son La city with all varieties, microbial fertilizers, and growing, caring and harvesting techniques.

“Last year, we harvested the first batch of more than 100kg of nuts, raking in 7 million VND (298 USD). In the long run, compared to other crops, macadamia will bring high economic efficiency,” he added.

Muong E commune now has 38 hectares of macadamia, with 10,000 trees, mainly in Cai Keo hamlet. After 5 to 6 years, macadamia trees turn out fruit, with a yield of about 8 tons of fresh fruit per ha per year. Macadamia is a multi-value forest tree with a long life cycle, so it can be developed into a crop with high economic value.

Assessing the macadamia growing model in the commune, Quang Van Pha, Vice Chairman of the communal People's Committee, said that since 2014, some local households have intercropped macadamia with coffee and tea. Meeting the local climate and soil conditions, this tree grows and develops well. Macadamia is resistant to frost, drought and diseases, and is capable of intercropping with tea and coffee without affecting the yield of other crops. Currently, the commune has 300 hectares of tea and coffee where people can intercrop macadamia to earn double income.

As macadamia brings in great benefits, Muong E commune will continue to encourage people to intercrop macadamia on about 100 hectares in Chieng Ve and Ca Vai hamlets, while coordinating with specialized agencies of the district to organize training courses on planting and caring techniques, helping locals increase their income, he said.