In the final days of the lunar year, sandy coastal fields in Thang Binh, Da Nang are buzzing with activity. From dawn to dusk, scallion farmers are busy harvesting for the upcoming Tet holiday, with buyers purchasing crops directly at the fields.

Across the stretch of sand-rich farmland, workers pull scallions from the earth, trim roots, tie leaves, and sort bulbs to meet peak demand for Tet. The pace is constant, with each batch weighed and sold on-site as soon as it's picked.

Thang Binh has long been known as Da Nang’s "Tet scallion capital," with more than 200 hectares of cultivation. The loose, well-drained sandy soil yields white, crispy, evenly sized bulbs - qualities that make the area’s scallions particularly prized in the Tet market.

This year’s crop was planted between June and July (lunar calendar), with harvest beginning in mid-November and peaking in the final lunar month - right in time for the Tet buying frenzy.

A double win for farmers: good harvest, good price

Despite erratic weather and prolonged storms, local farmers say this year’s scallion crop delivered solid yields. On average, one sao (360 square meters) produces 300–350 kilograms of scallions, with many fields yielding plump, uniform bulbs.

Market prices are holding steady between 30,000 and 35,000 VND per kilogram (USD 1.20–1.40), ensuring decent profits for growers.

Vuong Thi Ha, 56, whose family planted over three sao of scallions, says favorable late-season weather helped the bulbs grow beautifully. They've already harvested more than half their field, and the rest has been pre-ordered by traders.

“This year, our whole crop was bought up in advance. We just pull it up and weigh it in the field,” Ha said.

She recalled that prices started around 38,000 VND/kg early in the season, then settled at 30,000 VND/kg - but the combination of yield and price still made it a “good season.” Her family expects a profit of nearly USD 1,200 after expenses.

Beyond seasonal income, scallions are a livelihood staple for many local households. Compared to rice or other crops on the same land, scallions offer higher returns, shorter cultivation cycles, and lower risk.

After each harvest, many farmers rotate with short-season crops to maintain soil fertility and diversify their income.

Tran Thi Hoanh, 53, who farms about five sao, said her family typically earns around $1,600 each Tet season. This year’s healthy harvest and strong demand are bringing added cheer.

“Thanks to scallions, many families here are doing better financially. We've been able to support our kids through university and celebrate a more joyful Tet,” Hoanh shared with a smile.

Traders buy straight from the field

Local farmers note that the biggest improvement this season is in sales logistics.

Nguyen Van Them, 57, who’s farmed scallions for nearly two decades, said previous seasons often brought good yields but uncertain prices.

“This year, traders drive trucks straight into the fields. We harvest, they weigh, and it’s sold - no stress about finding a market,” he said.

Thanks to the coastal sandy terrain, Thang Binh scallions have a distinctive pungent aroma and mild spice - setting them apart from other regions.

Scallions are relatively easy to grow and low-maintenance. Farmers typically reuse bulbs from the previous season, require minimal fertilizer, and rarely need pesticides. This keeps production costs low and profit margins healthy.

A Tet staple with growing reach

Traders like Trần Thi Hoa, 54, say buying activity has surged since the start of the final lunar month. On average, she purchases around 10 tons of scallions daily, supplying markets in Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and the Central Highlands.

“This year’s scallions are beautiful - uniform and clean. Buying straight from the field helps farmers save labor and gives us a steady supply for Tet,” Hoa explained.

Scallions are a beloved part of Tet cuisine across Vietnam, especially when pickled and paired with sticky rice cakes and braised pork.

For coastal farming communities like Thang Binh, this year’s scallion harvest has brought not just economic relief but renewed confidence in a traditional crop deeply tied to the rhythm of Tet.

Ha Nam