During a collaborative session, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade proposed integrating cut flowers into the price stabilization scheme alongside devising transportation strategies to aid Lam Dong's agricultural sector, particularly in anticipation of Tet. Lam Dong has witnessed a surge in vegetable prices by up to 40% due to reduced productivity from heavy rainfall, as reported by Bui Trung Kien, director of Xuan Thai Thinh Company. The company, facing a 20% decrease in supply capacity to about 300 tons before Tet, is exploring various measures to maintain price stability and demand.
Nguyen Hong Phong, director of Phong Thuy Company, highlighted increased demand for Lam Dong's vegetables due to adverse weather in the North. However, the potential for decreased supply due to unseasonal rain remains a concern. Despite challenges, there's optimism that sufficient supply and stable prices for Tet can be achieved, particularly for leafy vegetables with shorter production times. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes maintain stable prices, less affected by weather fluctuations.
Consumer demand has seen a downturn, with a 30-40% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels. Suppliers and retailers are aiming to control prices, prioritizing supermarket sales for stability. In contrast, market prices during Tet may see less control. At a meeting, Nguyen Viet Duy Khoi of Viet Farm Company emphasized the importance of careful transportation and processing to preserve vegetable quality, suggesting the construction of additional warehouses and harvesting centers in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cao Thi Thanh from Lam Dong's Department of Industry and Trade voiced concerns over transport issues affecting vegetable and flower quality, particularly during peak seasons. The proposal to boost fresh-cut flower sales in supermarkets by Ho Chi Minh City representatives aims to mitigate excess supply issues. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong of Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Industry and Trade expressed intentions to address transportation barriers and include fresh-cut flowers in the market stabilization program, potentially enhancing sales avenues for Lam Dong's agricultural products.
Both localities are encouraged to enhance logistics cooperation, including optimizing empty truckloads, to address the logistical challenges impacting agricultural product prices between Lam Dong and Ho Chi Minh City.
Source: Vietnam.VN