Cinnamon leaves become export commodity to India

The article highlights the economic revolution in Hung Khanh commune, Yen Bai province, Vietnam, driven by a unique business model that adds value to cinnamon leaves, a by-product previously discarded. The Hung Khanh Cinnamon Cooperative, established in 2023, has found a profitable niche in exporting cinnamon leaves to India, creating consistent employment opportunities and enhancing local income. The cooperative's dedication to environmental sustainability is evident in its process, which includes reusing by-products and separating lower quality leaves for domestic sale. This innovation not only improves the financial stability of local families but also contributes to sustainable poverty reduction through the benefits derived from cinnamon by-products. The government's support in advancing the cooperative's technology and production standards aims to further improve product quality and expand its market reach, both domestically and internationally.

Cinnamon is one of the main crops in Hung Khanh commune, Tran Yen district, Yen Bai province. The main products from cinnamon trees such as bark, essential oil, handicrafts, etc. have been the main export items for many years, bringing a good income to the people. During a working trip to Hung Khanh commune in early 2025, we were quite surprised when the commune chairman took us to visit a cooperative (HTX) that processes cinnamon leaves for export to India. The leaves, which are just by-products of cinnamon trees that are usually collected by people to make essential oil or discarded, have become an export item here, creating regular jobs for many local workers. Separating cinnamon leaves from branches at the production workshop of Hung Khanh cinnamon cooperative has been a familiar job for over a year for Ms. Tran Thi Hanh and the women in Nui Vi village. The job of “not getting the sun on your face, not getting the rain on your head” brings them an average income of 200,000 - ...