High hopes for bumper winter–spring vegetable crop with good prices

With a large area of land dedicated to annual crops, Dong Nai province has established numerous specialised zones for leafy and fruit vegetables such as bitter melon, cucumber, gourd, and squash, which generate substantial profits. Many of these cultivation areas are connected to wholesale markets, industrial kitchens, and schools, helping ensure stable distribution channels and high economic efficiency.

A high-tech hydroponic vegetable farming model in Phuoc Thai commune. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Farmers in many vegetable-growing areas across the province are entering the 2025 winter–spring season with hopes of both good harvests and favourable prices.

Nguyen Van Nguyen, a vegetable farmer in Xuan Thanh commune, stated that about a month ago, the prices of fruit and vegetables, such as bitter melon, cucumber, gourd, and squash, occasionally spiked to 15,000–18,000 VND per kilogram. At those prices, farmers earned very high profits. However, he noted that growers would already feel secure about investing if prices remained stable at around 7,000–8,000 VND per kilogram, as their incomes would still be guaranteed. The area consists of low-lying land, suitable only for annual crops. Compared with crops like beans or corn, vegetables generate significantly higher economic returns. For example, from 5,000 square metres of cucumbers, farmers harvest an average of about 700 kilograms per day. At prices of 7,000–8,000 VND per kilogram, each crop can bring in revenues of 60–70 million VND.

Bui Dinh Truong, Director of Thien Hung Thinh One-Member Food Co., Ltd. in Long Binh ward, said the company prioritises sourcing fresh vegetables and fruits from Dong Nai, which currently accounts for about 50 percent of the total volume the company supplies to the market. For fresh produce, the company has established a linked supply chain from clean growing areas to consumers’ tables, aiming to ensure both supply and quality, while maintaining stable and competitive prices.

Le Vu Diem Nhien, another vegetable farmer in Xuan Thanh commune, shared: “ This is the time when farmers sow crops for the 2026 Lunar New Year season. Each year, farmers can grow four vegetable crops, of which the autumn–winter crop enjoys the most favourable weather, allowing vegetables to grow well with fewer pests and higher yields. Over the past month, farmers have been pleased to sell vegetables at high prices. Still, we do not expect a price spike during the Tet season; as long as prices remain stable, we feel confident to invest”.

Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, an economic affairs officer at Xuan Thanh commune, noted that Xuan Thanh is a predominantly agricultural locality, with agriculture as its primary economic pillar. Vegetables are the primary crop, delivering high economic returns. On average, the commune develops about 400–500 hectares of vegetable cultivation each year. To establish a local clean vegetable brand, the commune encourages vegetable farmers to join cooperatives and participate in training courses on VietGAP-compliant production processes and technical farming practices.

Tran Van Phi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vinh Tam Agricultural–Service–Trade Cooperative (located in Tan An commune), stated that the cooperative has invested in greenhouse hydroponic vegetable farming, where all stages of production are automated. This initiative enables farmers to measure, control, and optimise nearly all factors affecting plant development, including temperature, humidity, light, and nutrients.

Hydroponic systems help shorten cultivation cycles, increase crop yields, and reduce labour costs, thereby improving economic efficiency. This model also aligns with the current trend of urban agriculture. Even with small land areas, farmers can still ensure an ample and stable supply thanks to the application of high technology in production.

High-tech farming is also creating export opportunities for fresh vegetables, contributing to foreign currency earnings. A notable example is Viet Rau Joint Stock Company in Phuoc Thai commune, which is exporting more than 10 types of leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, and herbs to the demanding Swiss market. The company has invested in greenhouse systems for both soil-based and hydroponic cultivation to ensure a stable supply. To meet the strict standards of export markets, the company adheres to rigorous procedures, from planting to harvesting and preliminary processing, including GlobalGAP-certified production and the issuance of planting area codes for exports to the European market.

Bui Ba Duy, a manager at Viet Rau JSC, said: “Traditional Vietnamese vegetables such as water spinach, bitter melon, sawtooth coriander, and pickling eggplant are highly favoured in export markets. “In addition to our own specialised growing areas, we are planning to expand by transferring clean vegetable production processes and technologies to farms and farmers, to scale up export-oriented cultivation zones”.

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho