Source: laodong.vn
“Black gold” is in good season, prices are rising
The pepper harvest is nearly a month away, but many farmers are happy when prices increase sharply. According to records, over the past month, pepper prices have fluctuated from 144,000-145,000 VND/kg. This price has increased nearly three times compared to 2018 (when pepper prices hit bottom).
With the above price, farmers have the right to hope for a bumper and successful harvest. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet – Nhan Co commune, Dak R’lap district (Dak Nong) – said that her family has nearly 2 hectares of pepper in business. In about 1 month, the pepper garden will be harvested.
Referring to the price of pepper, Ms. Tuyet excitedly said: “I’m very happy because pepper has a good price. Every day I update news to understand prices and market developments. It’s been a long time since pepper prices increased again. According to research, today’s pepper price in Dak Nong is purchased at about 145,000 VND/kg. This is a price that brings high profits to farmers.”
Currently, Ms. Tuyet’s family’s pepper garden is in the stage of growing fruit and seeds. Therefore, Ms. Tuyet actively visits the garden, promptly detects pests or other abnormalities for early treatment. Ms. Tuyet hopes that, with favorable weather, pepper will maintain its current price for a bumper crop.
Mr. Nguyen Hai Duong, in Nam Binh commune, Dak Song district (Dak Nong), was also happy when pepper prices increased sharply. He confided that his family has more than 1 hectare of pepper. This is his family’s “fishing rod” for many years. Therefore, Mr. Duong closely monitors all price fluctuations or weather developments.
“This year the weather is favorable, with steady rain and air humidity suitable for the growth and development of pepper plants. Therefore, I hope this year’s pepper crop is good. I also monitor pepper prices every day. Pepper prices increasing before the harvest is a good sign, creating excitement for farmers” – Mr. Duong shared.
Farmers have high expectations for pepper after many ups and downs
After many ups and downs, pepper farmers in Dak Nong can smile with hope. Pepper is considered “black gold” and had its golden age when the price exceeded 200,000 VND/kg. Since then, many Dak Nong farmers have prospered thanks to pepper, and many barefoot billionaires have appeared from there, with high-rise houses and luxury cars…
However, the golden age quickly passed. While farmers were devoting all their capital and even borrowing more money to expand their area, pepper suddenly plummeted. From a peak of 220,000 VND/kg, pepper prices dropped to only 40,000-45,000 VND/kg in 2018 and 2019.
Not only does the price drop, pepper also suffers from diseases that kill quickly and slowly. Just like that, lush pepper gardens suddenly became bare and desolate. Many gardens are left with only ruins of lifeless concrete pillars. Many impoverished people have to leave their hometowns and go abroad to seek food. Magnificent houses have been put up for sale… The pepper area of the country in general and Dak Nong in particular has decreased significantly. Then, pepper growers can now revive when pepper prices increase again.
According to statistics, Dak Nong is the leading locality in the country known as the pepper capital with an area of about 33,985 hectares. Pepper output reached 70,685 tons, an increase of 28,458 tons compared to 2018.
