Apricot buds bloom early
Compared to last year, Mr. Bui Thanh Dam (Long Ho district, Vinh Long province) assessed that the rate of early Tet apricot blossoms is currently lower. On average, the number of early blooming apricot buds is only about 2-5%. Although it does not affect much, Mr. Dam is monitoring the apricot buds to bloom in time for Tet.
“In addition to the weather, it could be because some apricot buds were stuck from last year, causing them to bloom early. The surrounding gardeners are actively fertilizing and adjusting the amount of water to limit the impact of unseasonal rain. If nothing changes, on the 15th of the 12th lunar month, our gardeners will start gradually plucking the leaves until the 19th of the lunar month, depending on the flower buds,” said Mr. Dam.
Mr. Le Van Du (Co Do district, Can Tho city) said that currently some apricot trees in the garden show signs of blooming early, but thanks to careful calculation, it does not have much impact on the upcoming Tet crop.
“From the beginning, I calculated and took good care of the flowers, so I estimated that only about 5-7% would bloom earlier than expected, the rest would still be guaranteed. With the changing weather conditions at the end of the year, I will increase the number of workers to minimize the number of early blooming buds and to make sure the flowers bloom in time for Tet,” Mr. Du shared.
Many viewers, few buyers
According to Mr. Dam, the economic situation in the past few years has been quite difficult. Traders no longer buy apricot trees early like before, but only pay when the trees have clear flower buds. Moreover, what makes this gardener even more impatient is that the cost of materials has increased significantly, but the price of apricot trees is being haggled and lowered by traders.
“The cost of fertilizer, pesticides, and materials has increased by about 30% compared to the same period last year. In recent days, traders have been looking around but have not yet decided on any trees. Partly because traders are waiting for the leaves to be picked and buds to be firm before buying so as not to be fooled, and partly because the two sides have not yet agreed on a price. I offered 10 million VND for the apricot tree, but the trader lowered it to only 7 million VND. If I agree, I will lose money on fertilizer and pesticides, so I am waiting for a better price to earn some money for Tet,” Mr. Dam confided.
Along with being busy taking care of the apricot garden, Mr. Du is also waiting for traders to come and buy. There is still about a month left until Tet, but according to this gardener, currently traders are only looking and surveying prices but have not dared to pay.
“Many familiar traders have contacted me to inquire about the situation of apricot buds this year. Perhaps due to experience from previous years, apricot buds did not bloom evenly and were difficult to sell, so they were quite cautious before buying. There were also people who chose a satisfactory tree but the price offered was quite low, so I have not sold it yet,” said Mr. Du.
Mr. Du also said that many agricultural supplies are currently higher than last year. However, in order to prepare carefully for the Tet apricot crop, he is forced to spend on this item. Mr. Du is expecting that in the near future, the prices offered by traders will be better than now so as not to affect profits.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the Southern region from January 2 to 4, 2025 will have scattered showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are likely to cause tornadoes, lightning and strong gusts of wind.
