Nghe An: Seafood and vegetables are selling well, but meat is sluggish.

These days, every trip back from Dien Chau fishermen is filled with laughter because seafood is in season and has good prices.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, fisherman of Dien Ngoc commune (Dien Chau) excitedly: "In the past week, the catch has increased, fluctuating from 20 - 30% per trip compared to March. What people are happiest about is that all the seafood arriving at the port is purchased, no longer sluggish or sold at low prices like last year."

Nghe An fishermen are excited because seafood prices have increased to a record high since Tet. Photo: Nguyen Chau

According to a survey, seafood prices at Lach Van port, Dien Chau have increased sharply, specifically, the price of grade 1 crab increased from 200,000 - 250,000 VND/kg to 400,000 VND/kg; fresh mackerel increased from 160,000 VND/kg to 220,000 VND/kg; mantis shrimp increased from 400,000 to 550,000 VND/kg; squid also increased from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/kg compared to March.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's CommitteeDien Ngocsaid: "From the beginning of the year until now, the total catch of the commune is 5,200 tons of seafood, revenue is nearly 300 billion VND, since the beginning of April alone, fishermen in the whole commune have caught nearly 1,000 tons of seafood of all kinds, seafood prices are also at the highest level since after Tet holiday until now, so people are very excited".

It is known that the reason for the sharp increase in seafood prices is that it is now the tourist season, hotels and restaurants have started to import large quantities of seafood to serve their business. In addition, the disease in pigs, buffaloes and cows is currently complicated, so consumers have chosen other foods to ensure safety.safe, in which seafood is the top priority for many people.

Green vegetables are chosen by many consumers despite their high prices. Photo: Nguyen Chau

Not only seafood but also all kinds of green vegetables are currently at their peak since the beginning of the year. Ms. Le Thi Hanh, a resident of Hung Dong commune, Vinh city, said: "Currently, short-term vegetables such as chrysanthemum greens, green mustard, jute, herbs, lettuce... have increased by about 50% compared to March, especially mustard greens, which are grown the most in Vinh Xuan vegetable area, have increased from 5,000 VND/kg to 15,000 - 20,000 VND/kg, but people do not have enough goods to sell."

Pork and beef stalls at markets are currently in a state of disrepair. Photo: Nguyen Chau

In contrast to the bustling scene at seafood and vegetable stalls, beef and pork kiosks are currently in a state of disrepair, with images of traders waiting for customers appearing frequently at the markets.

According to a survey at Quan Lau market (Vinh city) on the morning of April 10, while beef remained at 220,000 - 250,000 VND/kg, pork had decreased by about 20,000 VND/kg, only fluctuating from 140,000 - 150,000 VND/kg. However, the purchasing power of these two foods is very low.

Ms. Van, a beef trader, said: "Although goods imported from slaughterhouses all have a clear origin and certificate,quarantineHowever, this week the number of buyers has decreased significantly, so we have had to import less goods for fear of losing money. Before, we imported 5-7 bird's nests of meat per day, but now we only import 3 bird's nests, selling sparingly...".

Consumers need to be careful when buying pork and beef at stalls on sidewalks and roadsides. Photo: Nguyen Chau

Currently, Nghe An Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine recommends that consumers should not “turn their backs” on pork and beef products, but must choose meat slaughtered at centralized slaughterhouses, inspected and controlled by veterinary agencies, and stamped with quarantine stamps. Absolutely do not consume pork and beef sold on sidewalks and roadsides because they do not ensure disease safety and food hygiene and safety./.

Nguyen Chau