In brief
The effects of Typhoon Yagi and soaring temperatures have led to a significant decline in kumquat tree harvests, affecting prices and sales ahead of Vietnam's Lunar New Year celebrations, known as Tet.
In Vietnam, as the Lunar New Year, or Tet, approaches, the vibrant sight of potted kumquat trees being transported on motorbikes fills the streets. These striking orange fruits symbolize good fortune and prosperity, integral to families' celebrations. However, recent extreme weather events, including Typhoon Yagi and intense heat, have caused turmoil in the kumquat market, resulting in fluctuating prices that have left many farmers distressed.This year, the harvest has taken a hit with typhoon floods damaging crops during a crucial growth period for kumquat trees. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a kumquat grower near Hanoi, lamented the loss of about half of her 500 planted trees due to the floodwaters. “We’re all in a sad mood,” she reflected, speaking for her fellow ornamental plant farmers who are left with unsold inventories, as this year’s kumquats are not meeting aesthetic standards desired by buyers.Typically, kumquat trees would sell for around 1 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $40), but prices have plummeted to 600,000 dong ($24) in light of the challenges. This drastic change has forced consumers to opt for smaller trees or alternative decorative plants, such as orchids, which are often less expensive. The gravity of the situation cannot be understated; Tet is essential to Vietnamese culture, comparable to a blend of Christmas and Thanksgiving. Having kumquat trees in homes, shops, and public spaces is a time-honored tradition that signifies hope and rejuvenation for the year ahead. With farmers struggling to sell their crops amidst consumer apprehensions, the joys associated with this annual celebration are challenged by the realities of climate change and its repercussions on agriculture.
