Pull-ups despite high prices
At this time, mangrove gardens in Can Tho and Hau Giang are entering the first harvest. The lack of supply while high market demand has pushed the price of duck shoots to 70,000 - 90,000 VND/kg for ripe duck shoots of type 1. Type 2 and type 3 are 20,000 - 30,000 VND/kg lower.
Compared to 2 weeks ago, gardener Nguyen Van Nam (Phong Dien district, Can Tho city) shared that the price of bamboo shoots purchased by traders has increased by about 20,000 VND/kg. However, the quantity of ripe fruits is not yet large, the supply to the market is quite modest.
"Currently, traders come to the garden to buy ripe bamboo shoots at 80,000 VND/kg for type 1, type 2 and 3 at 40,000 - 60,000 VND/kg. Green bamboo shoots are at 130,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, an increase of 20,000 VND/kg compared to the previous month. The high price is due to the low output of mangosteen at the beginning of the season, which is not enough to meet market demand, said Mr. Nam.
With an area of 5,000 m2 of bamboo shoots, Huynh Minh Tam gardener (Chau Thanh A district, Hau Giang province) is busy harvesting the first batches of fruit this year. According to this gardener, the price of bamboo shoots is increasing sharply, but gardeners do not have a large quantity to supply.
In addition to increased market demand, the fact that gardeners sell green fruits at high prices also limits the supply of ripe bamboo shoots, pushing up prices. I do not sell green bamboo shoots orange, and my garden has produced fruit this year half a month earlier, so the price is quite high, ranging from 60,000 - 90,000 VND/kg, depending on the type, especially on the days of picking up, the price is up to 100,000 VND/kg", Mr. Tam shared.
For about a week now, trader Nguyen Thi Kieu (Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city) has only imported bamboo shoots for consumption. Compared to last year, this trader said that the price of bamboo shoots this year is 10,000 - 20,000 VND/kg higher.
"Due to the small quantity at the beginning of the season, only a few dozen kg of type 2 and type 3 bamboo shoots are imported per day, ranging from 40,000 - 70,000 VND/kg. Through observation, Vietnamese bamboo shoots are quite popular despite their high prices, said Ms. Kieu.
Early season harvest
The weather is somewhat erratic but the drought and salinity are not as severe and affect the bamboo shoots as the previous crop, helping Mr. Tam's garden produce quite well, nearly 10 tons/ha.
"High prices and good productivity, this year's bamboo shoots season makes all of us gardeners excited. Taking advantage of the high selling price, the supply of bamboo shoots is not much, the family harvests every day to deliver to traders," the gardener shared.
In addition to the joy of being priced, Mr. Nam is also assured that this year's mangosteen garden is quite fertile. If deducting expenses, he can make a profit of about 30%: In a few weeks, mangosteen will be in full bloom, and a lot of supply will likely lead to a decrease in prices. However, with this yield, even though the price is 10,000 - 20,000 VND/kg lower, the family still makes a good profit".
From mid-May, Can Tho City and the Southern region will officially enter the rainy season. The Department of Agriculture of Can Tho City recommends that fruit tree growers regularly check, be careful with flooding caused by prolonged heavy rain and dredge the ditch system and drainage culverts around the garden to avoid waterlogging and rot. At the same time, use waterproof plants and ropes to limit falling and breaking branches; visit the garden regularly, check for pests and diseases to take timely prevention measures.
