We arrived at a field of over 2 hectares dedicated to growing shallots in Tra Giang 4 village early in the morning. More than 100 workers were already diligently harvesting shallots. To meet the demand from traders, farmers concentrate on harvesting shallots from early morning and into the evening. Families who grow shallots hire laborers and acquaintances, and they have to wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning to harvest the shallots, then wash them until around 10 a.m. before handing them over to traders.
Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy (Tra Giang 4 village) said: "This is the peak season for harvesting shallots, so we need a lot of laborers working through the night with flashlights to harvest them in time for transportation to markets outside the province. Harvesting at night ensures that the shallots are fresh and retain their pungent flavor when they reach consumers."
People are harvesting shallots in Tra Giang 4 Hamlet, Luong Son Commune (Ninh Son District).
This year, Luong Son commune planted approximately 60 hectares of shallots, concentrated mainly in Tan Lap 2, Tra Giang 3, and Tra Giang 4 villages. Shallots are grown year-round by farmers here, divided into two seasons, but the winter-spring season is the main one. Shallots are planted from the end of June (lunar calendar) to December (lunar calendar) and harvested. This is also the main source of income for many families here at the end of the year.
According to shallot growers, each plot of land yields between 700 kg and 1 ton. From the beginning of November 2023 until now, traders have started buying shallots directly from the fields at prices ranging from 22,000 to 35,000 VND/kg depending on quality and size. At this price, after deducting costs and labor, shallot farmers still make a profit, but not as high as last year. Shallot cultivation not only provides income for farmers during Tet (Lunar New Year) but also creates jobs and income for many local laborers during their free time.
With nimble hands, pulling up shallots, Ms. Kieu Thi Giang (Tan Tap 1 village) said: "When shallot season comes, the women here get together to work as hired laborers to earn some money for Tet (Lunar New Year). Some focus on pulling, others sort and trim... The employer calculates the wages based on the number of kilograms harvested, averaging 200-300 thousand dong per day."
Along National Highway 27, the fields of shallots are covered in a pristine white of bulbs and a lush green of leaves, blending with the lively and bustling atmosphere of farmers harvesting shallots. Long lines of trucks carrying goods further intensify the feeling of the approaching Tet holiday.
Anh Thi
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