Spring is a wondrous gift that nature bestows upon humanity; it is also the season when countless flowers bloom, spreading their fragrance and displaying their beauty. Flowers are the essence of spring, contributing to the radiant and vibrant tapestry of the season.
Every Lunar New Year, as spring arrives, the countryside is filled with vibrant flowers, especially the golden hues of traditional New Year's flowers like apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, evergreens, and marigolds, filling people's hearts with excitement. According to folk beliefs, yellow symbolizes good fortune and the arrival of spring; therefore, apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, evergreens, and marigolds are very popular. As the year draws to a close, especially in the twelfth lunar month, flower growers in the district are busy planting and tending these flowers to bring the spirit of Tet (Lunar New Year) to every home.
In early December this year, flower growers in Ham Thuan Bac district were already preparing their flowers for the Lunar New Year (Tet) of the Year of the Dragon 2024, ensuring the best quality and designs. Mr. Tran Van Hieu, residing in Hoi Nhon village, Ham Chinh commune, is a prime example: Having been involved in flower cultivation for four years, although not a long time, it has helped stabilize his family's life. He estimates that after deducting expenses, he earns around 80 million VND per Tet flower crop. This year, he planted 2,200 evergreen plants for sale during Tet, and although many died prematurely, he expects to earn a profit of 60-70 million VND if prices remain stable compared to Tet 2023. As one of the areas specializing in Tet flower cultivation, the Na Boi, Ward 1, and Tam Hung neighborhoods of Ma Lam town are now awash in the green of various flowers. Every household here is filled with potted plants of various flowers such as evergreens, cockscomb, and marigolds, arranged in front yards, backyards, and fields. Every year, at the beginning of December, when the flower market starts to bustle, they begin the biggest stage of pruning, shaping, and harvesting flowers of the year. This year, for the Tet flower season, many households have boldly increased the quantity and expanded the area for flower cultivation, hoping to increase their income during the Tet holiday.
“The entire town currently has about 5 hectares of farmland where farmers specialize in growing flowers for Tet (Lunar New Year). This year, farmers mainly grow three types of flowers: marigolds, everlasting flowers, and cockscomb; with everlasting flowers accounting for more than 50% of the area. Compared to last year, this year's flower care has been quite favorable for farmers. Except for the everlasting flowers, which died prematurely at a rate of about 30%, the remaining types of flowers are developing well, ensuring they meet market demand. It is expected that by the 20th day of the 12th lunar month, farmers will be able to sell them to traders and people in the area,” said Mr. Pham Van Nhon, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Ma Lam town.
Compared to other localities in the province, Ham Thuan Bac district has not yet developed large-scale specialized flower-growing areas. Most production is small-scale, family-based, and scattered across communes and towns. However, due to the high profits from flower cultivation, in recent years, besides households specializing in Tet flower cultivation with areas of 500-1000m2, many households have also boldly invested in growing flowers for sale during this period; some households have around 200m2, while others have 400-500m2, growing traditional flowers such as chrysanthemums, evergreens, cockscomb, and marigolds. Thanks to learning from experienced growers, they have not only found success in the profession but also profit from flower cultivation for Tet. According to them, entering the profession is a matter of fate; only a love for flowers provides the motivation to care for and dedicate oneself to flower cultivation. With all the hard work and care put in, those who grow Tet flowers always hope that the flowers will not disappoint them, so that the hardworking farmers can enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling Tet holiday.
Source
Comment (0)