VietNamNet Bridge – Several flowers being grown in southern Da Lat-Lam Dong in preparation for the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) have bloomed ahead of schedule, posing a loss risk to local farmers.  

Lisianthus has blossomed in Phung Huu Nam Khang in Da Lat City's Ward 12, while Tet is still 20 days away. — Photo cand.com.vn

Farmers have grown flowers in 2,200 ha -- mostly lilies, lisianthus, gladioli and daisies -- in Da Lat City, Lac Duong, Don Duong and Lam Ha, besides Duc Trong District in Lam Dong Province, the provincial department of agriculture and rural development said.  

In Da Lat City, specifically, there are about 1,000ha of flowers, 495ha of daisies, 114ha of lisianthus and 30ha of orchids and roses.  

In Ward 12 of Da Lat City, about 80 per cent of the lisianthus, 30 per cent of lily and 10 per cent of daisy crops have blossomed before Tet, as estimated by the local people.  

Prolonged heat and unexpected heavy rain in December this year contributed to the early bloom, Chairman of the Association of Farmers in Ward 12 Ho Ngoc Dinh said.  

Huynh Thi Phuong Linh of Ward 12 in Da Lat grew 4,500sq.m of daisies. The flowers blossomed en masse and she had to sell them at low rates.

Phung Huu Nam Khang of Ward 12 invested VND80 million in his 1,000ha of lisianthus in preparation for Tet. Khang said the flowers bloomed a week ago. He had to sell the crop for only VND30,000 (US$1.3) per kg, while the price would double by Tet, which is 20 days away.

Farmers have reduced water supply and lighting and have lowered the temperature to delay the blooming of the flowers, but the situation is seemingly hopeless.

VNS