Farmers in Phuoc Hau commune harvest their apple crop for Tet (Lunar New Year).

These days, in Phuoc Hau commune (Ninh Phuoc district), farmers are urgently harvesting apples to sell to traders to meet the market demand for the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Dragon 2024.

From early morning, Mr. Vo Van Kim's family in Truong Tho village was already in their orchard harvesting apples to sell to traders. Mr. Kim shared: "My family has 3 sao (approximately 0.3 hectares) of apple trees, and the harvest is currently in full swing. This year's Tet apple crop is bountiful thanks to good care and favorable weather conditions. On average, we harvest 250-300 kg per week, and traders buy them directly from the orchard at 10,000 VND/kg. We expect to finish harvesting by Tet, then prune the branches and renovate the orchard to prepare for the next season." Sharing the same joy, Ms. Pham Thi Be said: "I cultivate 1.2 sao of apple trees, and for the past few days, my family has hired two extra workers to harvest in order to meet the demand from our customers." Compared to a few months ago when apples were only priced at 4,000-5,000 VND/kg, the price has now increased to 8,000-10,000 VND/kg. If this price continues until Tet (Lunar New Year), after deducting expenses, farmers will earn a profit of over 20 million VND per sao (approximately 1000 square meters).

Farmers in Truong Tho village are harvesting apples for the Lunar New Year.

Currently, apple sales are quite favorable, and people don't have to worry about finding buyers. Mr. Dao Van Tuan, an apple trader in Phuoc My ward (Phan Rang - Thap Cham city), said: "With its unique climate and soil conditions, Phuoc Hau apples are large, crisp, and sweet, and are highly valued by consumers for their quality. With the 2024 Lunar New Year approaching, the market demand is strong, so I go directly to the orchards to buy apples. On average, my distribution center ships 2-2.5 tons of apples to southern provinces daily, with a small amount sold within the province."

Mr. Truong Van Tin, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Phuoc Hau commune, said: The entire commune produces 170 hectares of apples, of which about 70% are harvested during Tet (Lunar New Year). This year, thanks to favorable weather conditions and proactive care by the people, the apple yield is quite good, ranging from 3-3.5 tons per sao (approximately 1000 square meters); although the selling price has decreased compared to previous years, most apple growers are making a profit. In addition to selling fresh apples, some households also make apple jam for Tet, helping to create jobs for many local laborers, thereby providing them with additional income and a prosperous Tet celebration.

Hong Lam

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