Traders in the northern region have bought large quantities of flowers from farmers in the south for the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, even though prices have increased compared to last year.

The Mekong Delta’s two most famous flower villages, Sa Dec in Dong Thap province and Cai Mon in Ben Tre province have already begun transporting flowers to the north.

Flower farmers said the price of most flowers, especially hybrid chrysanthemum, has increased.
Lu Minh Thien, vice chairman of the Cai Mon Flower and Ornamental Tree Cooperative in Ben Tre province, said that farmers have not planted as many chrysanthemums because of unfavourable weather.

Traders in the north have also purchased orchids from southern farmers for Tet. Prices have increased by 20-30 percent compared to last Tet, according to orchid-garden owners.

About 40 percent of yellow apricot trees, a symbol of Tet in the southern region, began blooming more than one month ago, leading to a decline in supply of yellow-apricot Rees.

Most farmers have also planted fewer flowers for this year’s Tet compared to last year because they were unsure about finding outlets for their products. Last year, many farmers were unable to sell all of their flowers.

Farmers in Sa Dec flower village in Sa Dec town planted about 3 million pots various kinds of flowers for Tet last year, but have cut that amount considerably this year.-VNA