Vegetable prices continue to rise.

Vegetable prices show no signs of cooling down.

These days, in the Vinh Xuan vegetable fields, Vinh Hung ward - considered the largest "vegetable hub" of the former Vinh City area - farmers are busy preparing the soil, sowing seeds, and tending to the areas that have been restored after weeks of continuous damage from natural disasters.

Mr. Ngo Huu Minh, a resident of Vinh Xuan hamlet, is busy tending to his more than 2 acres of newly sown cabbage. He shared: “Vegetable prices are high, and the market is in great demand. My family has to work continuously to keep up with sales; vegetables are scarce, so we sell everything we produce. We just hope for stable weather so that the new crop will yield a good harvest.”

According to Mr. Minh, in the past three months, almost the entire vegetable crop in the area was "wiped out," with rain and storms devastating the crops just weeks after planting. Now that the weather is more favorable, farmers are trying to replant to recoup some of their losses. In this field, the most prioritized vegetable is Chinese cabbage – a short-season crop that can be harvested in about a week, suitable for early market access while prices are still high. In addition, many households have also planted winter crops such as kohlrabi, cabbage, fragrant gourd, and green squash... to create a long-term supply.

In fact, observations at markets such as Vinh Market, wholesale markets, Hung Dung Market, Vinh University Market, etc., show that among food items, green vegetables have seen the sharpest price increase during this period. Specifically, water spinach increased from 7,000 VND/bundle to 15,000 VND; sweet potato leaves from 10,000 VND to 20,000 VND/bundle; sweet cabbage to 40,000 VND/kg; tomatoes from 12,000 VND to 25,000 VND/kg; scallions to 40,000 VND/kg; cabbage to 30,000 VND/kg... In rural markets, the price of green vegetables has also doubled compared to normal days.

Ms. Tran Thi Ha, a small trader at Vinh wholesale market, said that locally grown vegetables are almost scarce. Vegetable-growing areas were severely flooded after Typhoon No. 10, and long-term vegetable crops are unavailable because they haven't reached harvest time yet. "We have to import from southern provinces, and with increased transportation and fuel costs, we are forced to adjust prices," she said.

Quynh Anh commune is considered the "vegetable capital" of Nghe An province, with approximately 1,500 hectares of land supplying a plentiful supply of vegetables to the market. Mr. Ho Dang Tam, Director of the Quynh Bang General Agricultural Cooperative in Quynh Anh commune, said that since Typhoon No. 10, the price of green vegetables has remained high. Farmers are taking advantage of favorable weather to replant, especially short-term vegetables, hoping for a new harvest soon. It will take at least another 2-3 weeks for the newly planted areas to recover.

Consider your food choices.

According to our research, the recent surge in vegetable prices stems from several factors. Firstly, prolonged heavy rains and storms severely damaged local vegetable growing areas, leading to a sudden drop in supply. Replanting after the storms takes time. Secondly, many small traders have to import goods from other provinces and cities, increasing transportation costs and driving up prices. Furthermore, the end of the year is a time for gatherings and year-end celebrations, resulting in a significant increase in demand for food for these events. All these factors combined have kept vegetable prices high with no signs of cooling down.

Given this situation, consumers are quite hesitant to choose green vegetables for their daily meals. Many families have been forced to adjust their menus, temporarily reducing their vegetable purchases and switching to more stable food options. Ms. Pham Thi Tuyet, residing in Truong Vinh ward, said: “Vegetables have been so expensive lately; buying just a few types costs nearly 100,000 VND, so I’ve cut back on vegetables and decided to replace them with dried bamboo shoots and other fiber-rich foods.” Some households with gardens are also taking advantage of growing their own vegetables to save costs, but this solution only meets a very small fraction of their needs…

While vegetable prices at local markets fluctuate significantly, prices at large supermarkets are considered more stable. Vegetable prices there are clearly displayed and are about 20-30% higher than at traditional markets. A representative from Lotte Mart Vinh supermarket stated: “Higher prices at the supermarket are understandable because all products have traceable origins, meet safety standards, and undergo multiple processing and cold storage procedures before being displayed for sale. However, thanks to our proactive sourcing from various localities, we are able to maintain stable prices and not increase them in line with the free market.”

According to experts, the current high prices of vegetables are only temporary due to reduced supply. Once vegetable growing areas recover and enter a new harvest season, the supply to the market will increase again, making it easier for consumers to access vegetables at reasonable prices.