The problem. Cinnamon canopy closure takes 7–10 years, leaving farmers without income for too long — driving forest clearance for short-cycle crops.

The intercropping fix

Plant legumes, medicinal herbs or vegetables in the alleys while cinnamon trees are still under 4 years old.

Suitable intercrops

  • Ginger — shade-tolerant, harvested in 8–10 months.
  • Mung bean, black bean — soil-improving, short cycle.
  • Black cardamom — high-value medicinal.

Right spacing

  1. Cinnamon: 1,660 trees/ha (3×2 m).
  2. Intercrop covers up to 60% of alley area.
  3. Stay ≥ 50 cm from the cinnamon collar to avoid competition.

“Cardamom intercrop in Văn Bàn returns VND 45–60M/ha/year in the first three years, four times monoculture cinnamon.”
— GREAT 2 farm report