Prolonged hot weather leads to shortages and price increases of green vegetables.

Vegetable prices rise due to the hot weather.

In early June, the vegetable market in Nghe An became more vibrant than usual. At many local markets, the number of buyers increased significantly, especially for vegetables with cooling and refreshing properties.

According to small traders, retail vegetable prices have increased by an average of 3,000 - 10,000 VND/kg compared to last month. Sweet cabbage and winter squash are selling for around 15,000 VND/kg; Chinese cabbage for 20,000 VND/kg; good quality tomatoes for 25,000 VND/kg; and cucumbers for about 30,000 VND/kg. Many leafy vegetables such as water spinach range from 10,000 - 12,000 VND/bundle.

Not only are prices rising, but selling vegetables during the hot season is also facing many difficulties. High temperatures cause vegetables to wilt quickly, reducing their freshness and increasing losses if not sold promptly. Many small traders have to divide their daily deliveries into smaller quantities to minimize unsold stock.

Ms. Dao Thi Hoa, a vegetable vendor at Vinh Market, said: "The hot weather causes vegetables to wilt very quickly, especially leafy vegetables. We import goods in multiple batches, with new shipments constantly arriving to maintain freshness. The import price has increased, so the selling price has also gone up a few thousand dong per bunch."

According to Ms. Hoa, despite the price increase, purchasing power remains quite stable, even higher than before. The hot and humid weather has led many families to prioritize boiled dishes, vegetable soups, and salads, so the consumption of vegetables such as jute mallow, amaranth, bitter melon, and cucumber has increased significantly.

Increased market demand coupled with a declining supply has put pressure on prices. This is also the reason why many types of green vegetables have consistently maintained high prices recently.

Supply decreases

In contrast to the bustling atmosphere of local markets, in many vegetable-growing areas, people are facing considerable difficulties as prolonged heat waves affect crop growth. Mr. Ho Dang Tam, Director of the Quynh Bang Agricultural Service Cooperative, said that since March, high temperatures have put significant pressure on vegetable production. To minimize losses, the cooperative has guided farmers to proactively store water, increase soil cover, invest in automatic irrigation systems, and use shade nets for plants sensitive to high temperatures. "We are not only focusing on maintaining production volume but also on product quality. Selecting suitable varieties, adjusting planting schedules, and applying safe farming techniques helps ensure a basic supply under adverse weather conditions."

In Quynh Anh commune, a key vegetable production area of ​​the former Quynh Luu district, people are also intensifying care measures to maintain productivity. According to Mr. Tran Minh Chinh - Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Quynh Anh commune, the locality is encouraging farmers to apply water-saving irrigation solutions, use organic fertilizers, and expand consumption linkages to stabilize output.

In the vegetable-growing area of ​​Quynh Mai ward, many households have to rush to the fields from early morning or late afternoon to care for their crops. Irrigation systems are operated more frequently to maintain soil moisture during days of high temperatures. Mr. Nguyen Van Cuu, from Binh Minh village, currently has 5 sao (approximately 0.5 hectares) of white cabbage that are entering the harvesting period. With a selling price of around 12,000 VND/kg, nearly double the previous price, this vegetable is bringing a considerable income to growers. However, according to Mr. Cuu, the supply on the market is currently limited due to many areas being affected by the heatwave.

Ms. Truong Thi Huong, a vegetable distributor in Quynh Mai ward, said that she supplies more than 20 tons of vegetables and fruits to the market every day, mainly to Hanoi and other northern provinces. However, the production of many types of vegetables is decreasing due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Not only common vegetables, but many specialty vegetables are also in short supply. In the areas growing jasmine flowers in Dai Hue and Thien Nhan communes, the intense heat has caused many areas to wilt and reduce yields. Meanwhile, increased consumer demand has pushed the purchase price at the farm to 50,000 - 60,000 VND/kg, while the retail price at the market ranges from 80,000 - 110,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, from Xuan Son hamlet, said that her family has 2 sao (approximately 2,000 square meters) of jasmine flowers, but the harvest yield has decreased significantly due to harsh weather conditions. Despite the high price, the amount of flowers harvested is only enough to supply their regular customers.

The scorching heat has not only reduced the yield of jasmine flowers but also affected chives grown for their leaves in Dai Hue commune. Previously, a harvest could be done in about 14 days, but now it takes almost a month. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, from Xuan Son hamlet, said: “My family has to increase the number of times we water the plants, taking advantage of early mornings and late evenings to keep the soil moist. On intensely hot days, we have to monitor them constantly to prevent leaf burn. The price of chives has increased by 500-1,000 VND per bunch, but the reduced yield means we still don't have enough to sell.”

Given the continued high demand for vegetables, proactively securing water resources and implementing appropriate mulching and care measures will be crucial for farmers to maintain production, contributing to stable supply and limiting price fluctuations in the market.