Ninh Thuan grape prices drop sharply due to the hot weather

Ninh Thuan grapes are starting to be harvested, but this year's prices are lower than every year.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lanh, Ninh Hai district, said that this year's green grapes are fruitful, and output has increased, but the prolonged heat affects the quality of the fruit. Lanh's two acres of grapes are ready to be harvested, but the selling price is VND 20,000-30,000 per kg, down more than 40% compared to last year.

Currently, grade 1 grapes are being purchased by traders for about VND 40,000-45,000 per kg, down VND 5,000-10,000 per kg compared to last year's crop. Grade 2 grapes cost VND 30,000 per kg.

For growers affected by weather and poor care techniques, the selling price is about VND 20,000-25,000 per kg. This level is nearly half lower than the same period last year.

For the past three weeks, Mrs. Lan Anh, another farmer in Ninh Hai district, "offered" traders 3 tons of grapes but was offered a meager price. She cuts bunches for retail; the cost is slightly higher than wholesale, around VND 30,000-35,000 per kg.

"This year, we have to try to make a profit because the price of grapes has decreased compared to the previous season. In particular, if the garden has soft fruit due to the hot sun, the price will drop sharply," Mrs. Lan Anh said.

Ninh Thuan province has two types of grapes: green and red. Previously, green grapes were more expensive than red, so many households switched to cultivating this variety. The supply is abundant, so the price of green grapes is lower than before.

In addition, this year's prolonged hot weather, many households needed to pay attention to proper care techniques, and the fruit became soft and sour, so the price dropped sharply compared to quality products.

Mr. Pham Dung, Head of the Ninh Thuan Sub-Department of Cultivation and Plant Protection, thinks grape prices have remained relatively high. According to him, the price has dropped because of poor fruit quality due to the weather, but the percentage of households affected is only about 10%.

Mr. Dung also said the vineyards are adequately cultivated, costing around VND 40,000-45,000 per kg. At this level, farmers still make a profit.

Grapes are the main agricultural product of Ninh Thuan. By the end of 2023, this province will have more than 960ha of grape growing, concentrated in Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hai, Ninh Son, and Phan Rang - Thap Cham districts.

Every year, gardeners here earn an average profit of VND 100-200 million per hectare of grapes. Gardeners who cultivate according to the VietGAP process, apply technology, and use biological products to care for grapes will earn more than traditional farming methods.