(TITC) – Deer farming for velvet harvest has long been a traditional livelihood of the people in Huong Son, a mountainous district of Ha Tinh province. Today, Huong Son deer velvet and its processed products have become widely recognized through the OCOP Programme, bringing remarkable economic benefits and transforming local rural life.
The origins of deer farming in Huong Son trace back to Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le Huu Trac, the revered physician considered the father of traditional Vietnamese medicine. After leaving the royal court, he returned to his maternal homeland in Huong Son to live in seclusion. During this time, he taught local residents how to tame wild deer and raise them for velvet – one of the four legendary medicinal treasures in Eastern medicine. Since then, deer farming has become an integral part of life in Huong Son, passed down through generations.
In Huong Son today, it is not unusual to find deer in nearly every household. Deer are raised more commonly than any other livestock, and many households keep several animals as both a source of income and a symbol of family tradition. Large farms may raise hundreds of deer, while small-scale households typically maintain five to ten.
Huong Son deer velvet is highly sought after thanks to its exceptional nutritional composition. It contains IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which promotes cell regeneration and supports overall vitality. Rich in collagen, deer velvet enhances skin elasticity, strengthens bones and joints, and helps slow the aging process. Essential amino acids aid muscle recovery, while minerals such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium play a vital role in boosting immunity and improving general health.
Owing to the district’s unique soil, climate conditions, and the strict care regimen – which relies heavily on natural forest leaves – Huong Son deer velvet possesses a significantly higher nutritional and amino acid content. It has also been granted Geographical Indication protection by the National Office of Intellectual Property, affirming its superior quality and cultural value.
In earlier years, many deer velvet businesses faced difficulties ranging from unstable markets to limited equipment. However, thanks to strong support from Ha Tinh province and local authorities – especially in improving processing facilities, offering technical guidance, and providing business consulting – local enterprises now operate more professionally and sustainably. Participation in the OCOP Programme has helped producers standardize their processes, ensure strict food safety, develop branding, and enhance packaging design. Today, deer velvet is available in many convenient formats, including small 10-gram jars priced from around 500,000 VND, allowing consumers easier access to this premium product.
Beyond production and trade, Huong Son is exploring agri-tourism experiences combined with deer velvet retail. Visitors can tour local farms, learn about deer husbandry, observe different breeding areas, hand-feed deer, and watch the processing of velvet while listening to stories about what makes Huong Son deer velvet unique. These authentic interactions help build trust and offer travelers a deeper appreciation for regional culture and craftsmanship.
The development of Huong Son deer velvet as a signature tourism product not only strengthens the district’s rural economy but also enriches Ha Tinh’s tourism landscape – bringing visitors closer to the heritage, livelihood, and identity of the mountain communities of central Vietnam.
Tourism Information Technology Center
