Strolling through the Tet flower market, besides peach blossoms, kumquats and traditional flowers, Phalaenopsis orchids are also being sold in "overwhelming" quantities in many places in the center of Dien Bien Phu City. What few people know is that Phalaenopsis orchids are grown right in Dien Bien and are bringing in a "huge" source of income for growers.
Present at the Phalaenopsis orchid garden in Hong Hin village, Thanh Luong commune, Dien Bien district (Dien Bien province), the reporter recorded many brilliant Phalaenopsis orchids being continuously transported to serve market demand during the Lunar New Year.
Garden owner Vu Thi Bien said: “This year, my garden plans to supply the market with about 1,500 - 1,800 Phalaenopsis orchids of various types. Each plant costs about 200,000 VND.”
According to the garden owner, although they are all Da Lat Phalaenopsis orchids, orchids grown in Dien Bien always have competitive prices, usually about 30% lower. Meanwhile, the price of Da Lat Phalaenopsis orchids usually ranges from 250,000 to 270,000 VND/plant.
“In terms of quality, the same variety of Phalaenopsis orchids grown in Dien Bien and Da Lat do not have much difference. However, the climate in Da Lat is often more suitable for orchid development, so the flowers bloom more beautifully,” said Ms. Bien.
After 2 years of persistent construction and care, Mrs. Bien's family's Phalaenopsis orchid garden is growing very well and has become a "bright spot" in high-tech agricultural production in Dien Bien.
With an initial capital of more than 1.5 billion VND, Ms. Bien invested in building a modern greenhouse and net house system. All orchid varieties were carefully selected by her from Da Lat.
“When agriculture applies modern technology and has a stable output, farmers can absolutely achieve high income. My garden is expected to earn about 300-350 million VND during this Tet holiday alone. Next year, this garden can supply the market with about 3,000 trees,” Ms. Bien added.
According to the reporter's research, there are currently many traders importing Da Lat flowers to Dien Bien for consumption, which shows the great potential of the market. However, to successfully grow orchids in Dien Bien, it is necessary to have a methodical investment and apply appropriate growing techniques to have a chance of success because the climate in Dien Bien is much different from Da Lat.
Looking to buy Phalaenopsis orchids at Vincom Plaza Dien Bien Phu, Ms. Tran Thi Hien said: "I was quite surprised to know that Phalaenopsis orchids are grown right in the Dien Bien basin. Although the quality of the flowers may not be as good as Da Lat orchids, with a reasonable price and a variety of colors, this is a quite suitable choice."
