Hung Yen Province Recognizes Longan Cultivation and Processing Knowledge as National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Hung Yen Province in northern Vietnam has officially recognized the traditional knowledge and techniques of cultivating and processing its specialty product, longan, as a national intangible cultural heritage. Hung Yen Province boasts a vast longan cultivation area of nearly 6,000 hectares, yielding an annual harvest of 35,000 to 50,000 tons. The province's longans include a variety of high-quality breeds such as 'Nhãn lồng' (longan), 'Nhãn đường phèn' (rock sugar longan), 'Nhãn hương chi' (fragrant longan), 'Nhãn cùi' (fleshy longan), and 'Nhãn siêu ngọt' (super sweet longan). This intangible cultural heritage recognition marks a significant step in honoring the wisdom and skills of the 'Tri thức' (knowledge holders/experts) who have long been involved in Hung Yen's longan cultivation and processing, ensuring the knowledge is passed down to future generations. The recognized areas include Hong Chau, Tan Hung, Son Nam, Tien Lu, Khoai Chau, and Trieu Viet Vuong. Thousands of longan farming households in the province are engaged in cultivation adhering to international standards like VietGAP (Vietnam Good Agricultural Practices). The harvested longans are primarily consumed as fresh fruit in the domestic market, with a portion processed into 'long nhãn' (dried longan) for domestic sales and export. At the 'Longan Festival and Trade Promotion' event held concurrently with the announcement, longan cooperatives and farm owners introduced high-quality longans to delegates and businesses. Discussions also took place regarding production and consumption status, the application of cultivation techniques under VietGAP standards, improving yield and fruit quality, enhancing brand value, promoting geographical indications, and boosting sales through the national supermarket network. During the event, several businesses signed Memoranda of Understanding for the supply and consumption of longans with Hung Yen's longan cooperatives and major farms. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the promotion of local specialty products is positioned as an essential policy for revitalizing regional economies and improving rural incomes. This intangible cultural heritage recognition aims to promote the branding of the regional industry centered around longan and to protect and pass on the traditional techniques that support it.