Chu Huong Thuy’s Success with Sustainable Weed Management in Tea Cultivation

In the heart of Phu Tho Province, Vietnam, Mrs. Chu Huong Thuy, has become a role model for sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how gender equality and social inclusion can lead to environmental and economic success.

Mrs Thuy stands in her 24-hectare tea field in Phu Tho, Northern Vietnam. Image: EPP in Vietnam, Rainforest Alliance.

For years, like many farmers in the Minh Dai Commune, Mrs. Thuy saw weeds as an enemy of her tea plants, competing for nutrients, water, and light. Weeding requires intense labour—up to 6 times per year, with each instance being 12-15 man-days per hectare (if pulling weeds by hand and cleaning them with a hoe). It costs her approximately 2.5-3.0 million VND per hectare to rent a weeding machine.

However, with support from Phu Da Tea Enterprise and the Rainforest Alliance’s Integrated Weed Management programme, Mrs. Thuy embraced an innovative approach that shifted the narrative around weed management, integrating GESI  (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) principles by involving women in decision-making and providing them with access to training.

Shifting to Sustainable Methods

In April 2023, with 24 hectares of tea under her care, Mrs. Thuy made a bold decision to change the traditional practice of weeding combined with sufficient fertiliser, balanced application of NPK, organic fertiliser, microbial fertiliser, and only spraying pesticides when necessary. Instead of completely clearing the weeds, she chose to uproot them only around the tea stumps, leaving the rest to maintain ground cover. Despite initial concerns from her husband and local workers, she persisted.

Mrs Thuy harvests her flourishing tea crops thanks to sustainable practices that have increased her yields. Image: EPP in Vietnam, Rainforest Alliance.

The result? Her tea garden transformed, recovering quickly and yielding better crops. Her family’s grass management costs were cut by half, saving over 160 million VND annually.

Environmental and Health Impact

Mrs. Thuy’s new approach didn’t just save money—it helped the environment. The remaining grass retained soil moisture, especially during dry weather, and reduced soil erosion during the rainy season. It also provided a habitat for natural enemies, which helped reduce the need for pesticide applications from 12-15 sprays per year to just 6-7, with some harvests requiring none. Additionally, by applying pesticides only when necessary, Mrs. Thuy likely reduced her exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, which can have various health risks if used excessively.

A Model for Change

Mrs. Thuy’s success story is more than just an agricultural achievement; it highlights the power of inclusive practices and knowledge sharing within farming communities. By attending training sessions and learning from other women, such as Ms. Tuyet of Phu Son Tea Enterprise, she adopted a more sustainable and cost-effective weed management system. Her story encourages other tea farmers, particularly women, to experiment with this model, suggesting that they start small and expand as they observe positive results.

Her approach aligns with ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and social inclusion in agricultural practices. It demonstrates that empowering women with knowledge and decision-making roles can lead to better environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

A Broader Effort for Sustainable Agriculture

The success of the Rainforest Alliance’s Integrated Weed Management on Mrs. Thuy’s farm is part of a wider push for sustainable farming practices in Vietnam. The design and implementation of this project have been accomplished through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded with UK International Development from the UK government.

The project’s focus on gender inclusivity has also been crucial, as it recognises the important role that women like Mrs. Thuy play in driving agricultural innovation and community resilience. By supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices, the project helps to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits for entire communities.

Looking Ahead

For Mrs. Thuy, the changes she’s seen on her farm represent the beginning of a broader transformation. “We’re starting to see the impact of integrated weed management not just on our farms but our community,” she says. “This is about more than growing tea—it’s about growing a future where we can protect our land and our health.”

As more farmers in northern Vietnam embrace these practices, the potential for sustainable agriculture in the region continues to grow.

And for Mrs. Thuy, the future looks promising.