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Amidst the lush landscapes of Dai An commune’s Bau Tron fields, farmers are gearing up for the Tet Nguyen Dan festival, focusing on the cultivation of colorful vegetables. This age-old tradition involves meticulous soil preparation and the sowing of short-day crops such as bottle gourd, bitter melon, sponge gourd, cucumber, Malabar spinach, and chili peppers.
After a month of dedicated planting, the first signs of flowering are emerging, marking the beginning of the harvest season. Farmers like Mrs. Võ Thị Hà are strategically tending to crops like chili peppers, bitter melon, bottle gourd, and sponge gourd, with an approximate growth period of 50 to 55 days for optimal yield.
In the words of Mrs. Hà, who manually pollinates certain crops for higher yields, “Recent years have shown that hand-pollination for bottle gourd and bitter melon results in over 80% fruiting, compared to 50% without. Favorable weather conditions are crucial for the prosperous growth of vegetables and the income of farmers like me.”
Mr. Phan Quý, from Phú Phước hamlet, shares his experience of planting Malabar spinach in early September, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of this method. The initial investment of around 3 million VND yields a harvestable crop, bringing in significant revenue during the Tet season.
Seedling nurseries, managed by individuals like Mrs. Lê Thị Hạnh, witness increased demand from farmers during the winter-spring crop season. Popular varieties like cucumber, bitter melon, winter melon, and chili peppers are sold at prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 VND per seedling.
The demand for vegetable seedlings surges during the winter-spring season due to favorable weather conditions for cultivation. As Mrs. Hạnh notes, “Every year, the winter-spring crop witnesses higher demand for seedlings compared to summer and fall, thanks to the cool weather, ideal for planting vegetables.”
Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Én, a vegetable buyer from Đại Lộc, highlights the early involvement of buyers in placing orders directly in the fields. The current market prices for vegetables like bottle gourd and bitter melon range from 10,000 to 17,000 VND per kilogram, catering to both wholesale and retail markets.
Despite the challenges posed by lower rainfall and slower plant development due to nutrient deficiencies in the soil, farmers anticipate a more abundant yield, four to five times higher than usual. Calculations suggest that, if this year’s vegetable crop proves fruitful, farmers stand to gain a profit of 5 to 7 million VND per sao (approximately 360m²), accounting for initial investment costs.
Nguyễn Thành Long, Deputy Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dai An commune, acknowledges the positive shift towards organic farming methods and scientific applications in vegetable production. With over 36 hectares of Bau Tron fields cultivated by more than 100 specialized households, the community is embracing sustainable and technology-driven approaches, resulting in high vegetable productivity.
The Tet vegetable harvest in Dai An commune reflects a harmonious blend of traditional practices and modern innovations. As farmers eagerly anticipate a successful season, the commitment to organic, manual pollination, and scientific advancements ensures not only a plentiful harvest but also a stable market for these vibrant and fresh vegetables.
