People in An Phu develop their economy thanks to the growing lacquer tree

From as early as 2–3 a.m., while roosters are still drowsy, the road through An Phu hamlet, Tan An commune comes alive with the footsteps of villagers heading out to tap lacquer sap. Harvesting must avoid rain and intense sunlight, so residents work from dawn until about 8 a.m., finishing before the sun climbs high.

People in An Phu develop their economy thanks to the growing lacquer tree.

The lacquer tree took root in An Phu more than two decades ago, when Doan Van Pha brought saplings from Tan Binh hamlet. Initially met with skepticism, the crop proved its worth after just a few years, with Pha’s thousand-tree plantation producing a steady yield of 3–4 kilograms of sap per day, fetching up to VND50,000 per kilogram at peak prices. Sap is readily purchased by traders directly at the source.

According to Party cell secretary To Thi Xuyen, lacquer is a demanding crop, its sap can cause allergic reactions, but it offers year-round income. Her family has maintained one hectare for decades. Party member Nong Thi Nga owns over two hectares, transforming barren hillsides into productive groves. Within two years, the trees were ready for harvest, and villagers gradually adapted to the sap, with fewer allergic cases than in the early days.

From these pioneering households, lacquer has spread across the hamlet, even onto long-abandoned plots. Today, An Phu boasts more than 30 hectares under cultivation, involving nearly 150 households. Average per capita income exceeds VND50million annually. With a stronger economy, social initiatives have flourished: people have contributed over VND1 billion and 1,000 workdays to build more than 3 kilometers of concrete roads, 500 meters of irrigation canals, 1.5 kilometers of street lighting, and donated 2,000 square meters of land plus over VND200 million for the village cultural house.

Tan An Commune Party Secretary La Hong Hai affirmed that, alongside acacia, lacquer is a key crop, with plans to expand planting to further raise income per unit of land. An Phu now has only four poor households, all special cases involving elderly or chronically ill members. With daily earnings of VND400,000 - VND500,000, villagers live up to the name of their hamlet - peaceful and prosperous.

Tran Lien