Supply disruptions have led to a sharp increase in vegetable prices.

For nearly half a month now, vegetable prices at local markets have been soaring. Some types of vegetables are scarce. Photo: TP

Holding a few sprigs of basil and a handful of dill, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Loan (Hung Dung Ward, Vinh City) had to ask if the seller had made a mistake when she heard the price was 15,000 dong. “Five sprigs of basil and a handful of dill for 15,000 dong. Compared to a month ago, it's five to six times more expensive,” Ms. Loan said.

According to surveys, for more than a week now, vegetable prices at local markets have started to increase sharply. Specifically: Sweet cabbage has increased by 5,000 VND/kg to 25,000-30,000 VND/kg; sweet potato leaves have increased from 15,000 to 25,000 VND/kg, pumpkin shoots from 30,000 to 40,000 VND/kg, water spinach has increased by 2,000-3,000 VND/bundle; cabbage is 15,000 VND/kg (an increase of 8,000 VND/kg), green beans are 30,000 VND/kg… For example, chrysanthemum greens, which were previously 1,500 VND/bundle, have now sharply increased to 6,000 VND/bundle.

Rising vegetable prices are making it difficult for housewives to manage their finances. (Photo: TP)

In particular, herbs like coriander, basil, and shallots have increased fivefold in price compared to before, but are still in short supply. "Before the full moon of the first lunar month, basil cost 7,000 VND per bunch, which we sold alongside fresh vegetables and gave away to customers, but now it's 20,000-30,000 VND per bunch and is still selling out."

In suburban and rural markets, vegetables are scarce at this time of year, with fewer varieties and higher prices than before. Having been in the vegetable business for decades, Ms. Nguyen Phu Hoa, a small trader at Vinh wholesale market, is well aware of the supply and demand patterns at different times of the year.

The vegetable crops are now nearing the end of their harvest season. Photo: TP

Ms. Hoa said: "There are usually three periods of shortages each year: The first is around March and April when vegetables are temporarily scarce due to it being the end of the harvest season; the second is around July when drought causes vegetable shortages; and the final is around October-November due to the impact of storms and heavy rain."

Currently, vegetables are scarce due to limited supply. Vegetable-growing areas in the province have finished harvesting, and farmers are preparing the land for planting the next crop. On the other hand, the erratic weather with alternating rain and sunshine, and thick frost in recent days, has caused significant damage to vegetables, especially herbs and spices.

This is a time when the vegetable supply is disrupted due to the end of the harvest season, with some plots being used for planting the next crop. Photo: TP

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao, a herb grower in Xuan Mai hamlet (Nam Xuan commune, Nam Dan district), said: “Basil has been scarce since the beginning of the twelfth lunar month. However, for about half a month now, the supply has completely run out, and we have to scavenge whatever we can to sell to regular customers. The reason is the erratic weather, alternating sunshine and rain, especially frost, which causes the basil plants to wither.”

In vegetable-growing areas such as Nghi Long (Nghi Loc), Hung Dong, Nghi Lien (Vinh City), Nam Anh, Nam Xuan (Nam Dan), and coastal communes of Quynh Luu, Hoang Mai, etc., farmers are harvesting the last crop of kohlrabi, cabbage, and chrysanthemum greens. At the same time, they are preparing the land for planting the next crop. "The price of green vegetables in the markets has increased significantly, so the selling price at the farm has also risen sharply. But at this point, the harvest season is over; we only have to harvest the last crop before preparing the land and planting the new vegetable crop," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, a farmer from Nam Anh commune.

Currently, in local markets, although the prices of root vegetables and fruits have increased slightly, they are still affordable, such as green squash at 12,000 VND/kg, pumpkin at 10,000 VND/kg, carrots and potatoes at 15,000 VND/kg… making them a popular alternative for consumers.

In recent days, the vegetable section at supermarkets has seen strong sales. Photo: TP

Vegetable prices at markets have increased sharply, while prices at supermarkets remain relatively stable and offer a wide variety, making them quite popular. "Because supermarkets have pre-arranged supply contracts with major specialized farming regions across the country, production is stable, and prices are also stable."

"Especially the vegetable section of the supermarket, which has a full range of vegetables, rich and diverse, and also offers discounts on green vegetables at the end of the day, so the number of consumers buying vegetables has increased significantly compared to before. Many traders from the markets also buy goods from the supermarket to resell at the market," said Ms. Nhu Hien, an employee in charge of the vegetable and fruit counter at a supermarket on Le Nin Street.

Many people are choosing root vegetables and fruits with stable prices when leafy vegetables are experiencing a sharp price increase. Photo: TP

According to the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the current area for vegetable cultivation in the province is nearly 38,000 hectares, with an estimated production of nearly 580,000 tons. This diverse range includes leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, stem vegetables, root vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, etc., supplying not only the provincial market but also providing surplus for other provinces and cities. However, supply is limited at this time of year, as it is the end of the harvest season.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nguon-cung-gian-doan-gia-rau-xanh-tang-manh-post286287.html