Concerns before the harvest season

From mid-May 2026, farmers in many localities began production for the new crop season. Across the fields, people were busy preparing the land, seeds, and agricultural supplies with the hope of a favorable harvest and high yields. However, along with the expectation of high yields and production came worries about rising input costs, unpredictable weather, and pests and diseases.

People in Nga Son commune are planting rice for the main crop season. Photo: Le Ngoc

These days, the fields of Tho Xuan commune are bustling with activity. Immediately after harvesting the spring rice crop, people mobilized plows and tillage machines to prepare the land for planting. This year, the commune plans to plant approximately 1,130 hectares of rice. However, alongside the excitement of starting a new production season, local people are quite worried as this year is predicted to face many challenges from extreme weather phenomena and rising fertilizer prices.

Mr. Hoang Dinh Tuan, a resident of Tho Xuan commune, said: “At agricultural supply stores, the prices of major fertilizers have increased, while the prices of finished products are fluctuating. Besides that, this year, temperatures will generally be 0.5-1.5°C higher than the multi-year average, with more intense heat waves; heavy rains will be concentrated when the rice plants are young and short, so there is a risk of flooding. Along with that, pests and diseases will develop and become more complex, posing a serious risk of damage such as leaf-rolling caterpillars, brown planthoppers, and bacterial blight on rice plants...”

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In anticipation of the difficulties, to ensure farmers can focus on production, Tho Xuan commune has worked with agricultural supply businesses to plan for the supply of sufficient seeds, materials, and fertilizers to farmers, guaranteeing quality, quantity, variety, timeliness, and reasonable prices. In addition, they have selected seed varieties that meet standards, have suitable growth periods, and are resistant to adverse environmental conditions for planting. Farmers are advised to strictly adhere to the planting schedule of each region; maximize the early cropping season to avoid late-season storms and pests, and create conditions for expanding the area for winter crops...

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Nhan, Director of Xuan Tan Agricultural Service Cooperative in Xuan Lap commune: “Currently, fertilizer prices are high due to increased raw material costs and transportation expenses...; pesticide prices have also increased slightly... Therefore, to reduce production pressure, the cooperative advises people to apply fertilizer correctly, at the right time, in the right amount, and in the right way, combined with smart farming techniques and utilizing available organic fertilizers. In addition, microbial preparations can be used to decompose straw directly in the field after harvest, helping to return a large amount of nutrients to the soil and reduce pathogens; combined with the use of organic and microbial fertilizers... Along with that, apply the "alternating wet and dry" irrigation technique to create a well-ventilated environment for roots to develop deeper, absorb nutrients better, and simultaneously limit weeds; regularly inspect the fields to detect and treat pests and diseases early, avoiding outbreaks that would require additional costs for purchasing pesticides. Simultaneously, cooperatives need to focus on seeking production linkage contracts and support.” "Providing input subsidies and guaranteeing product sales will help people reduce the risks of price fluctuations and ensure a stable supply of raw materials."

Besides concerns about production costs, the unpredictable weather also worries farmers. Prolonged heat waves interspersed with heavy rains will affect the planting and growth of crops, increasing the risk of water shortages and widespread flooding. Mr. Mai Khac Nhuan, Director of Thieu Thanh Agricultural Service Cooperative in Thieu Tien commune, said: “The commune has implemented early measures to review water sources, inspect irrigation systems, and develop water regulation plans for production; at the same time, we advise people to proactively apply water-saving irrigation methods. During hot days, people need to proactively channel water into their fields to ensure sufficient moisture for the rice; use straw to cover the base of the plants; if the planting area is in a high-lying field, they need to build embankments to prevent water from flowing down to low-lying areas...”

Following periods of hot, humid weather interspersed with rain, the risk of pest outbreaks such as leaf-rolling caterpillars, two-spotted stem borers, brown planthoppers, white-backed planthoppers, etc., is predicted to increase. Therefore, localities need to regularly inspect to anticipate, forecast, and detect harmful pests and diseases early, promptly guiding people on control measures in small areas to prevent the spread of pests and diseases into epidemics; and recommend prioritizing the use of pesticides that are highly effective against pests and diseases and safe for humans and the environment.

Although there are still many concerns before the new production season, with timely and thorough guidance from all levels and sectors, the support of localities and cooperatives, and the production experience of the people, a favorable harvest with good yields and prices is promised.

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Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/noi-lo-truc-vu-mua-291023.htm