Trần Văn Biển, from Hòa Hiệp hamlet in Bình Phú commune, Gia Lai province, replaced acacia and eucalyptus plantations with sim (wild myrtle), a native plant, after years of poor returns. His initiative now combines agriculture with tourism on a 3.5-hectare hillside in Hòn Ngang.
After initial setbacks, including high seedling mortality rates, Biển refined his cultivation techniques and expanded the plantation. He now grows around 1,200 myrtle trees, intercropped with lemon trees and date palms to diversify income.
About 1,000 of the myrtle trees are currently fruit-bearing, producing nearly two tonnes per harvest season. With an average yield of two kilograms per tree and a selling price of about 50,000 VND ($2.00) per kilogram, the farm provides a steady income stream.
To add value, Biển has developed locally produced myrtle wine, sold in bottles priced between 75,000 and 350,000 VND ($3.00–$14.00). His family plans to further invest in meeting standards for OCOP (One Commune One Product) certification and expand sales through social media.
Beyond its economic returns, the hillside has become a seasonal attraction. During flowering periods, the landscape turns a vivid purple, drawing visitors for sightseeing and photography. The site has been incorporated into community tourism routes linking Bahnar ethnic villages in Vĩnh An-Bình Phú.
Local authorities say the model shows early success. Đặng Bảo Toàn, Vice Chairman of the Bình Phú Commune People’s Committee, said the project aligns with local soil conditions, creates livelihoods and opens opportunities for tourism-linked development.
However, officials caution that long-term success will depend on more structured planning, particularly in protecting forest and water resources.
The commune plans to further develop myrtle cultivation sustainably, combining agricultural production with community tourism to increase economic value while preserving the ecological landscape, Toàn said.