Hot weather, sugarcane is in high demand and prices are rising

This sugarcane crop, Ms. Hoang Thi Ha's family in Dong Xuan hamlet, Giang Son Dong commune planted 2 sao, unlike last year when she planted 5 sao, because she was worried that the price of sugarcane would fall too low. However, this sugarcane crop, she was very happy when the price of sugarcane increased, even though she had to harvest in the hot sun.

“I am very excited because the price of sugarcane is good these sunny days. The sugarcane is cut, bundled, and imported in the district, then shipped to Vinh, Ha Tinh, etc. Harvesting is tiring but fun,” Ms. Ha shared.

Farmers in Giang Son Dong commune (Do Luong) are happy that sugarcane prices are high during the hottest days. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

This year, the entire Giang Son Dong commune planted 48 hectares of sugarcane, a decrease of 12 hectares compared to last year. Sugarcane was planted in 19/19 hamlets, but the most concentrated planting was in Pho hamlet, Nam Tan, Yen Tan, Hoa Binh. Sugarcane growers still maintain the F34 sugarcane variety with characteristics of soft sugarcane stalks, high yield, suitable for squeezing to make refreshing juice in the summer.

According to sugarcane growers here, to have a high yield and sell for a good price, it is necessary to follow the crop schedule. From February to March, the sugarcane must be planted; if it is late and cold, the sugarcane will have to shrink. The care stage needs to balance manure, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. After the sugarcane has branches, weeding and top dressing must be done; especially, all old leaves must be removed to allow the sugarcane to grow.

Bundles of sugarcane like this will be purchased by traders to sell to sugarcane juice shops. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

Mr. Nguyen Van Dao - head of Hoa Binh hamlet, Giang Son Dong commune said that the hotter the weather, the higher the price of sugarcane, because people need to drink sugarcane juice to quench their thirst. Growing sugarcane for refreshment shops is different from growing sugarcane for honey. To sell for a good price, the sugarcane must be straight, and it is necessary to prevent the sugarcane from falling by using stakes, steel wire...

Currently, 1 sao of sugarcane grown by people reaches about 4 tons, according to the market price in the hot season, each sao earns 14 - 15 million VND. This is a common joy for sugarcane growers. At the beginning of June, the price of sugarcane was 2,7000 VND/kg, due to the hot weather, it gradually increased to 3,000 VND/kg, then 3,200 VND, on the "peak" sunny days in early July, it reached 3,600 VND/kg.

Sugarcane used to make soft drinks is supported by sugarcane growers to create beautiful, straight stems. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

Previously, from the beginning of the season, people were reluctant to plant sugarcane because they were afraid that they would not be able to sell it at a good price and would have to cut it down in large quantities. Therefore, in order to plant 48 hectares of sugarcane, the local government and Farmers' Association actively encouraged people not to abandon sugarcane.Mr. Le Thanh Son - Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Giang Son Dong commune said: "The commune has held meetings with hamlets to propagate and mobilize people to continue growing traditional sugarcane, not to abandon it completely because of falling prices, but to only plant a moderate area. Now that the price is good, we are happy with the farmers."

Currently, many sugarcane areas in some communes such as Giang Son Tay, Hong Son, Trang Son... also bring high income.

Currently, the hot weather has increased the price of sugarcane, sugarcane growers have more income. However, to maintain the price of sugarcane at a relatively stable level, it requires the attention of all levels and sectors in planning the planting area appropriately.