Received: 27-02-2019 / Accepted: 03-09-2019
Medicinal plants are starting to be cultivated in the Central Highlands. In order to develop value chains of medicinal plants in the Central Highlands, it is necessary to investigate and assess the current situation. The PRA, key person interview and expert methods were used to collect data. Two districts in each province and 2 communes in each district were surveyed. The results showed that in order to develop medicinal herbs in a sustainable manner, it is necessary to conduct researches on varieties, planting area planning, appropriate farming techniques, preprocessing, processing and preservation of commodity products and adopt policies to encourage farmers and enterprises to join the medicinal value chain. The indigenous medicinal plants thantcan be developed in the Central Highlands include Vietnamese Ginseng (Panax vietnamensisHa et Grushv), Dang sam (Codonopsis javanica(Blume) Hook. f. & Thoms), Ngu vi tu (Schisandra sphenanthera) and Giao co lam (Gynostemma pentaphyllum). In addition, it is recommended to establish areas for the temperate medicinal herbs such as artichoke (Cynara scolymusL.) and (Angelica acutiloa Kitagawa), at the same time, expanding the area for intercropping like turmeric (Curcuma longaL.) amd Ginger (Zingiber officinaleRosc). In the central area of the Central Highlands, it is necessary to develop valuable commodity crops such as Crinum latifoliumL. and Ocimum gratissimumL. and testting new medicinal plants such as Polyscias fruticosaHarms) and Plukenetia volubilisL.