A ginseng contest opened in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam on Monday, during which 60 households cultivating Ngoc Linh ginseng presented their expertise and techniques for maintaining the country's precious medicinal plant.

The event, named Ngoc Linh Ginseng Festival, has been held for the fourth time in Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province and attracted a large number of visitors on the opening day.

Ngoc Linh ginseng, a rare medical root containing 52 saponin compounds helpful to health, was first found on Ngoc Linh Mountain on the boundary between the Central Highlands of Kon Tum and the central province of Quang Nam in 1973, according to Wikipedia.

Many residents who cultivate Ngoc Linh ginseng have brought the best herb plants from their gardens to compete in the ginseng event since early in the morning.

Duong Minh Duy, a resident of Nam Tra My District's Tra Linh Commune, has joined the contest with his 10-year-old, 0.2-kilogram ginseng.

“If the customer wishes to purchase my ginseng after the competition, I will do so; otherwise, I will replant it,” Duy said.

Ho Van Liem, a ginseng farmer in Tra Linh Commune, stated that he chose the ginseng plant with a beautiful shape, thriving roots, and lengthy tubers in order to compete with other cultivators.

The selection of ginseng plants for awards is based on criteria including shape, age, color, absence of pests and illnesses, and cultivation in Nam Tra My District.

The jury, composed of representatives from the local administration and the agricultural technology center with expertise in ginseng, will score all of the ginseng plants submitted in the competition, then reward the herbal supplement with the highest score.

There are five first prizes, each worth VND1.5 million (US$64), along with certificates of merit from the organizers, ten second prizes, 15 third prizes, and 20 consolation awards.

In addition to this contest, the festival features a ginseng market with stalls offering Ngoc Linh ginseng products and medical herbs, as well as several ginseng roots with extremely high value, including one Ngoc Linh ginseng species worth over VND900 million (US$38,527).

There are also various art programs, such as a 'cong chieng' (gongs) dance performance, the installation of a Ngoc Linh ginseng statue, and folk games.

The Ngoc Linh ginseng festival will last until Wednesday.

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