In 2025, the subproject aims to develop 37.7 hectares of seven medicinal herb species: 2 hectares of tam that nam (Panax pseudoginseng), 2 hectares of dan sam (Salvia miltiorrhiza), 5 hectares of cat sam (Adenophora spp.), 3.5 hectares of duong quy (Angelica sinensis), 4.2 hectares of ich mau (Leonurus japonicus), 20 hectares of sa nhan tim (Amomum longiligulare), and 1 hectare of nguu tat (Achyranthes bidentata).

Since the beginning of the year, 2 hectares of tam that nam, 1 hectare of nguu tat, 3.5 hectares of duong quy, 4.2 hectares of ich mau, and 20 hectares of sa nhan tim have been planted. By the end of the year, an additional 2 hectares of dan sam and 5 hectares of cat sam are expected to be planted.

For ich mau, a short-term medicinal crop, enterprises and cooperatives have purchased the entire output from the 4.2-hectare planted area, with yields reaching 3.4-4 tonnes of dried medicinal herbs per hectare, at an average price of 17,000 VND (0.64 USD) per kilogramme of dried product.

The working group surveyed the medicinal herb areas of VietRAP Son La company, Van Ho Medicinal Herb Agricultural Cooperative, and participating households. Models for growing medicinal herbs, implemented by local farmers, follow value-chain production processes, and comply with quality standards, and shifting from traditional cultivation methods to growing high-value medicinal herbs under GACP-WHO standards.

The GREAT Project Management Board appreciated the efforts of VietRAP Son La company, Van Ho Medicinal Herb Agricultural Cooperative, and participating households in implementing the subproject. It also requested them to continue strengthening cooperative management capacity, enhance technical guidance for farmers, focus on quality control in accordance with GACP-WHO standards, and promote stronger market linkages. GREAT will continue to accompany and support the model to develop a sustainable medicinal herb value chain, creating more job opportunities, particularly for ethnic minority women.