Skyrocketing Lychee Prices: A Sweet Yet Sour Tale Amid Plummeting Yields
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The cost of lychees has increased by 20% compared to last year due to a decline in production brought about by unfavorable weather conditions. This information comes from Manh, a lychee orchard owner in the Thanh Ha Commune, Hai Phong City, who has seen his yield decrease by 30%, even though he recently sold a ton of the fruit for VND95,000 (US$3.61) per kilogram.
Harvest Decline
Pham Thi Van, a fellow farmer in the region, has reported a similar experience. She has only been able to harvest a ton of fruit so far this season, which is only half of last year’s yield.
Although prices have dropped slightly since mid-April before the harvest, they remain at their highest in years, according to Van.
Rising Profits
In the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, lychees are selling between VND60,000-80,000 per kilogram at the farm gate, which is considerably higher than in previous years. An orchard owner in the province confirmed that profits have increased as traders are proactively sourcing supply and placing advance orders.
In Ho Chi Minh City, lychees from Dak Lak are selling for VND140,000-150,000 per kilogram, while specialty egg-shaped lychees from Thanh Ha are selling for VND150,000-180,000 per kilogram. Some stores that transport lychees by air to preserve freshness are charging as much as VND210,000.
Weather Impact
The Hai Phong Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection has said that the city has approximately 9,350 hectares of lychee trees, with 35% currently bearing fruit. According to them, a milder winter combined with a lack of cold weather has affected the flowering and fruit set rates of the lychee trees.
Local authorities have advised farmers to improve crop care procedures and are urging businesses to collaborate with farmers to ensure a stable supply.
Questions & Answers
What has caused the increase in lychee prices?
Poor weather conditions have resulted in a decrease in lychee production, leading to a 20% increase in the cost of the fruit.
What measures are being taken to ensure a stable supply of lychees?
Local authorities are encouraging better crop care techniques and pushing for partnerships between farmers and businesses to maintain a steady supply.
How has the weather impacted the yield of lychee trees?
A milder winter and a lack of cold weather have negatively impacted the flowering and fruit set rates of the lychee trees, leading to lower yields.