Soaring Prices of Vegetables in the Western Agricultural and Aquatic Region

Over the past two weeks, heavy rainfall combined with high tides has severely impacted vegetable crops across the Mekong Delta region. This has led to a significant reduction in supply, causing prices of various vegetables to surge by 5,000 to 15,000 VND per kilogram compared to two weeks ago.

On October 31, Mr. Lê Văn Trung, Director of Thành Lợi Safe Vegetable Cooperative (Tân Quới Commune, Vĩnh Long Province), stated, “Prolonged heavy rains and high tides have flooded parts of our vegetable fields, leaving us unable to meet market demand. For instance, green onions, which were priced at 12,000 VND per kilogram two weeks ago, are now selling for 25,000 VND per kilogram.”

Other vegetables have also seen sharp price increases, including lettuce (25,000–30,000 VND/kg), cucumbers, water spinach, and radishes (15,000–20,000 VND/kg).

According to Mr. Trung, traders and market vendors have been calling him in search of sweet cabbage and green onions, but the cooperative has run out of stock. Additionally, many members are hesitant to plant new crops due to concerns about continued heavy rainfall, which is expected to further drive up prices.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trương Văn Đầy, Director of Thuận Thành Water Spinach Cooperative (Bình Minh Ward, Vĩnh Long Province), reported that water spinach prices are currently high.

“About two weeks ago, water spinach was priced between 25,000 and 30,000 VND per kilogram, but now I’m selling it to traders at 40,000 VND per kilogram directly from the farm. The cooperative supplies a maximum of 400–500 kilograms daily, despite traders requesting larger quantities,” said Mr. Đầy.

At markets in Cần Thơ City, the steep rise in vegetable prices has left many households struggling. At Phú Thứ Market (Hưng Phú Ward), prices for various vegetables and fruits have increased by 5,000 to 20,000 VND per kilogram. Carrots are selling for 20,000 VND/kg, green beans for 30,000 VND/kg, green onions for 40,000 VND/kg, tomatoes for 45,000–50,000 VND/kg, and water spinach for 65,000–70,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Phùng Thị Mai Tiền (30, Hưng Phú Ward) shared, “I run a lunch stall, so I visit the market daily to buy fresh ingredients. However, with vegetable prices soaring and meal prices remaining unchanged, my profits have been significantly affected.”