Tra leaves exported abroad bring in billions

Sea grape trees (scientific name: sea grape) have the characteristics of being able to withstand salt water and are flexible, so for many years they have been planted along the central coast to protect against wind and storms, prevent coastal erosion and create a green landscape for the environment.

Previously, yellowed and fallen tra leaves were no longer of any use. Now, Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen (Dong Hoa town, Phu Yen) buys them for 200 VND/piece to press into environmentally friendly plates for export to the European market.

Thanks to selling tra leaves, many people in Phu Yen have extra income. For example, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duc's family in Hoa Hiep Trung ward, Dong Hoa town) earns several million VND for a season of picking tra leaves in his garden.

Mr. Duc said that in the past, he planted tra trees mainly to block the wind, preserve the soil, and avoid erosion from the sea. Since Mr. Tuyen started buying the leaves, his family has had an additional source of income.

The purchased tra leaves must be old, 15cm to 20cm in size, not torn or diseased.

After being purchased, the leaves are dried in the sun.

Then wash away the dirt.

The tea leaf pressing machine consists of 6 molds, using compression and heat to shape the product.

Mr. Tuyen said that he had this machine specially designed and manufactured by a craftsman at a cost of about 120 million VND.

The leaves are washed, dried and put into the mold.

Put into the mold and press for about 30 seconds, a plate of tra leaves is born.

According to Mr. Tran Trong Mon, a worker at the factory, he is paid 600 VND for each finished product of processed tra leaves.

"On average, I make about 1,000 products per day. After deducting expenses, the workers pocket 400,000 VND. This income is quite good in rural areas," said Mr. Mon.

Mr. Tran Van Tuyen and his products from tra leaves.

Mr. Tuyen said that the company's tra leaf workshop currently provides jobs for 4 local workers, with an income of about 10 million VND/month. In addition, it also creates income for people who have tra tree gardens.

"Products made from Tra leaves are currently exported to the US, Poland and Germany markets at a price of 2,000-2,200 VND/piece. We are introducing and approaching the Japanese market," said Mr. Tuyen.

Regarding development orientation, the owner of the tra leaf factory in Phu Yen said he is willing to transfer production technology and buy back products so that more people can have jobs. In addition, the transfer will take advantage of resources in localities with raw material areas, thereby creating many environmentally friendly products.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Thang, Department of Rural Development of Phu Yen province, assessed that products made from tra leaves of Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen are new and environmentally friendly products.

"If this model continues to be developed and expanded, the industry will strongly support it because there will be many tra trees planted to help block waves and wind and create more environmentally friendly products," said Mr. Thang.

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