The Flame Keeper of La Bang Tea Village

"Using a wood stove used to be so tough, but switching to this biomass gasifier stove has really made life easier. I have more time for myself now, and our family's finances have improved too," shared Nguyen Thi Du, owner of Son Du Tea Production Facility in Thai Nguyen, beaming with excitement.

Blazing Trails

As she sipped the fragrant tea freshly roasted, Du reminisced about the old days using a wood stove: "We always had to keep a large corner of the house clear for wood storage, not to mention the time spent chopping it. Roasting tea was dusty and constant vigilance was needed to adjust the fire and add fuel, leaving me coughing constantly."

With her adventurous nature and no fear of experimenting with new ideas, Du was always proactive in seeking ways to improve her tea processing methods. "I’ve learned a bit here and there, but never really getting anywhere," she confessed.

Du learned about the Biomass Gasification Technology - Sustainable Energy Solution for Agri-Food Processing and Waste Management in Rural Areas of Vietnam (BEST) project during a demonstration of a biomass gasifier stove (VCBG) at the local cultural house four years ago. Having tried the stove herself that day, she was instantly convinced: "I loved it and made sure to get one installed at my home by 3 PM sharp," she recalls with a chuckle.

At first, adjusting to the new stove and finding the right fuel were challenging. When the project consultants realized Du's difficulties, they personally guided her through the correct techniques and introduced her to optimal biomass fuels. "Since then, it's been smooth sailing. I've even replaced all my old wood stoves with these biomass gasifiers," she gestured towards her running stoves, proud of her ability to manage both stoves simultaneously, saving labor costs compared to before.

Igniting Change

Now, the former sparks have transformed into beams of joy across her yard. Since using the VCBG stove, the quality of her tea has significantly improved. With evident pride, she shares, "The price of finished tea has increased from 20,000 to 50,000 VND per kilogram; for the young shoot tea, it has gone up from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per kilogram."

Moreover, since stopping using wood to process tea, Du has felt healthier, less prone to coughing, and breathes more easily. "Before, working with the wood stove meant constantly bending over to control the heat. Now, the biomass stove keeps the heat and dust away," she explains.

Besides economic and health benefits, Du has also found more time for her passion, community service. Previously only involved in the local Women's Association, she now also holds the position of village head. "She used to have too much on her plate. Now she can manage. She’s well-trusted by everyone. I can handle things at home," added Son, her husband.

Fanning the Flames

Recognizing the clear benefits of the VCBG stove, Du has not only adopted it for her own family but is also eager to share it with her neighbors. She volunteered her yard as a demonstration site, personally preparing tea with the new technology alongside her husband for the community to experience firsthand. Her dedication and the impressive results from the demonstration have persuaded ten families in her village to switch to the VCBG stove, with some even investing in two or three stoves to increase productivity.

Du's journey started with a decisive leap of faith, and now, she's dedicated to broadening this path further, hoping to share this transformative technology with more people. For her, helping her community thrive and preserving the traditional craft of tea roasting is the truest joy.