News in Brief:
– Declining mangosteen production in Vietnam’s Binh Duong province, attributed to hot weather and other challenges, threatens local farmers’ livelihoods.
– Farmers are calling for government intervention to stabilise prices and provide support amidst the looming crisis.
The scorching temperatures in southeastern Vietnam’s Binh Duong province are poised to wreak havoc on mangosteen production, with an estimated 70% decrease compared to last year’s yield, according to a news story. This sharp decline is raising alarm among farmers, who heavily rely on this lucrative crop for their livelihoods.
Binh Duong province, famed for its diverse fruit cultivation, hosts a substantial mangosteen production area exceeding 1,000 hectares. Among its districts, Thuan An stands out with sprawling mangosteen plantations, covering approximately 600 hectares, comprising over half of the province’s total.
Tran Van Vien, director of the An Son Agricultural Cooperative, told a news outlet that the cyclic nature of mangosteen production, with alternating years of abundance and scarcity. Prolonged hot weather, coupled with pest infestations, has dealt a severe blow to this year’s harvest. Additionally, the discontinuation of governmental support and escalating costs of agricultural inputs exacerbate the plight of growers.
The imminent scarcity of mangosteens is poised to drive up prices, with wholesale rates currently ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram. This surge threatens to burden consumers while jeopardising the profitability of local farmers.
Amidst mounting challenges, farmers are appealing for governmental assistance to navigate this crisis. Policies aimed at stabilising prices and providing financial support are urgently needed to safeguard the interests of growers and ensure the sustainability of Vietnam’s mangosteen industry.
