Early Deposit
Although he only planted 6,000 square meters of red-fleshed watermelon, yellow-fleshed watermelon and golden melon nearly a month ago, Mr. Truong Van Tan (Binh Thuy district, Can Tho city) has already received a deposit from traders to buy half of it.
This farmer said that many traders are now starting to look for sources of goods for the end of the year and Tet holiday to supply to wholesale markets and Tet markets. Learning from previous years when selling melons close to harvest time caused prices to drop, this year, Mr. Tan has received early deposits from traders.
“Currently, 3 hectares of red-fleshed watermelons for Tet have been pre-ordered by traders at prices ranging from 46,000 to 50,000 VND/fruit, depending on size. This price is the same as last year. If the remaining quantity is also purchased by traders at a good price, I will receive it early to reduce risks and ensure profits,” said Mr. Tan.
Mr. Huu Tai (Chau Thanh district, Hau Giang province) said that he plans to supply the Tet market with about 500 kg of hydroponic vegetables this year, mainly lettuce, spinach, rainbow chard, celery, etc. Although he has only been planting for a short time, many vegetable products have already been pre-ordered. Accordingly, depending on the type of vegetable, Mr. Tai has received a deposit from traders at a price of 45,000 - 55,000 VND/kg.
“Clean food is increasingly popular, so it is understandable that hydroponic vegetables are sought after and pre-ordered by traders. This both avoids supply shortages near Tet and limits prices from being pushed up. As for me, as a producer, if I see a reasonable price and profit, I sell immediately,” said Mr. Tai.
Ensuring agricultural product quality
Mr. Tan said that compared to last year, the prices of agricultural materials have increased slightly, but thanks to favorable weather, production costs have not fluctuated much. Accordingly, with a selling price of 46,000 - 50,000 VND/fruit, this farmer is expected to earn a profit of about 14 million VND/1,000 m2, 10% higher than last year.
To have good quality melons to deliver to traders and ensure profits, Mr. Tan must regularly visit the fields, monitor the situation of pests and diseases, as well as equip water pumps and dredge canals according to local instructions.
With a selling price of 45,000 - 55,000 VND/kg, after deducting production costs, Mr. Tai estimates that the profit could be nearly 20 million VND. According to Mr. Tai, growing hydroponic vegetables in greenhouses makes it easier to control the quality of vegetables and tubers against risks due to weather, but the operation process still requires attention to many factors. Because if neglected, the plants may lack light, humidity or nutrients precipitate, negatively affecting growth rate and quality.
