At this time, farmers in flower growing areas in Ninh Binh province are actively preparing flowers to serve the market for the Lunar New Year of Giap Thin 2024.
Present at the largest flower "capital" of Ninh Binh - Ninh Phuc flower village (Ninh Binh city) these days, the bustling and urgent atmosphere is taking place in all the gardens. On the area of over 1,000m2 of Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh's family, Doai Thuong village is also mobilizing maximum human and material resources, taking advantage of planting and caring for flowers in time for the season.
Ms. Oanh said: This year, the family plans to plant about 20,000 single bulbs, 2,000 lily bulbs, 400 pots of gerberas, 200 pots of chrysanthemums and other decorative flowers such as primroses, dahlias, and firecrackers...
Currently, Oanh has planted primroses, dahlias, and gerberas for more than half a month and they are growing well. Peonies and lilies will be planted later, around the beginning of the 10th lunar month. The family has prepared the bulbs, cleared the land, and is just waiting for favorable weather to plant these two types.
At Vu Nga garden, one of the largest gardens here, many types of flowers have been sold. Ms. Tong My Duyen, the garden owner, said: In recent years, many families, agencies, and schools have displayed flowers since the New Year. Therefore, the family planted them earlier to supply the market. Currently, primroses, firecrackers, and daisies are blooming and growing well, and many people have come to buy. In about a month, the number of buyers will be more crowded, so the family is taking advantage of every day, every hour to take care of the flower garden.
With a total area of over 14 hectares and more than 200 households participating, up to now, flower growing in Ninh Phuc has gradually taken a dominant position, becoming the main source of income for most local people. Income from flower growing can bring in hundreds of millions of VND in revenue each year for households.
Currently, the product "Golden Chrysanthemum" of Ninh Phuc Flower Cooperative is recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. Thereby contributing to enhancing the brand of Ninh Phuc flower village in the market inside and outside the province.
Mr. Dien Van Nhan, Director of Ninh Phuc Flower Cooperative, said: "Up to this point, the flower areas of all families are growing well, closely following the crop schedule. This year's Tet flower crop, chrysanthemums are still the main crop of the locality. With a selling price of 1,500-2,000 VND/branch, the estimated income is 20-30 million VND/sao, many times higher than other types of plants."
According to many gardeners, this year due to unfavorable weather, flower care is also difficult and requires gardeners to be more diligent. The prolonged hot weather at the beginning of the season affected the sowing schedule. Then there was heavy rain, causing many areas to be damaged, and people had to take care of them again. To limit damage, gardeners have invested in greenhouses, net houses, tarpaulins, electricity, etc. to proactively take care of flowers.
As one of the large flower growers in Khanh Hai commune, Yen Khanh district, Mr. Dinh Van Dinh said: "The weather is difficult so we have to find every way to overcome it so that the flowers bloom in time for Tet. In the past two years, I have invested in a greenhouse system and automatic irrigation. This year I have installed an electric lighting system. The total investment cost is about 200 million VND."
The decision to "invest heavily" was made because, according to Mr. Dinh's experience, investing in greenhouses, covering, and lighting will help flowers limit pests and diseases. Especially when faced with the impacts of extreme weather such as hot sun, long rains or frost, ... gardeners will be able to overcome the damage more easily. Mr. Dinh estimates that if the weather is favorable, with 20,000 pots of chrysanthemums and 5,000 lily bulbs, Mr. Dinh will earn a profit of several tens to hundreds of millions of dong.
According to gardeners, the prices of flowers this year have barely increased because the prices of fertilizers and agricultural materials have "cooled down" compared to last year. Petunias of various colors cost from 80,000 - 120,000 VND/pot; chrysanthemums from 3,000 - 5,000 VND/flower; gerberas from 30,000 VND/pot; raspberry chrysanthemums from 80,000 - 200,000 VND/pot...
This year, the epidemic situation has been controlled, the economy has gradually recovered, so people are expecting a vibrant and bustling Tet flower season.
"To supply flowers for the Tet market requires flower growers to be patient, skillful, and creative. This year's weather may be hot and dry, so to make sure the flowers bloom on time for Tet, flower growers need to regularly monitor weather developments and check their gardens daily to take timely care measures. During the flowering stage, it is necessary to fertilize sufficiently and water regularly. In addition, it is necessary to focus on measures to kill rats to reduce damage," added Mr. Dien Van Nhan, Director of Ninh Phuc Flower Cooperative.
Article and photos: Minh Hai
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