(VAN) As the harvest season begins, watermelon prices at times drop to around VND 3,000/kg, not even enough to cover costs.
For many years, winter-spring watermelon crops have provided a major source of income for residents of Nam Trach commune in Quang Tri province. In 2026, however, yields are high, but prices have dropped sharply and output channels are “clogged,” leaving farmers worried.
Watermelons are an important source of income for residents in Nam Trach commune. Photo: Vo Dung.
Mr Hoang Van Hien, a farmer renting 2 hectares of land to grow watermelons, said his family expects to harvest nearly 40 tons this year. The fruit is ripe, but so far he has only been able to sell small quantities at VND 3,000/kg. At this price, his family would earn less than VND 120 million, not enough to cover production costs. What concerns him most is the changing weather, with signs of rain while traders are absent from the fields.
“Selling retail, how can we finish tens of tons of watermelon? If it rains continuously for a few days, the fruit will rot, and all the money and effort invested will be lost,” he said.
Nam Trach is one of the largest watermelon-growing hubs in Quang Tri province, with about 170 households cultivating nearly 300 hectares. This year’s favorable weather has resulted in a good harvest, with yields reaching 12-16 tons per hectare. However, at current prices, farmers are facing a difficult situation.
Mr Le Chien, a trader, explained that low purchase prices are due to simultaneous harvests in Quang Tri and other provinces such as Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, and Da Nang. Meanwhile, most watermelons are consumed domestically, and the oversupply relative to demand has put pressure on consumption, causing prices to plunge.
Despite a good harvest, falling prices and blocked output channels have left farmers worried. Photo: Vo Dung.
In response, local authorities and organizations in Nam Trach have stepped in to help farmers harvest and sell their produce. Mr Bui Quang Dung, Secretary of the Youth Union in Dong Thanh village, said that the Youth Union and Farmers’ Association are working to connect consumption channels and promote watermelons on social media platforms. Many direct sales points have been established, inviting organizations and individuals to support farmers.
Mr Le Dinh San, Chairman of the Nam Trach Farmers’ Association, noted that falling prices significantly affect production and livelihoods, especially as input costs remain high. In the short term, local authorities, the Fatherland Front, the Farmers’ Association, and the Youth Union are actively supporting sales through social media, digital platforms, and e-commerce, while also connecting distribution with other localities.
The Youth Union joins efforts to “rescue” watermelons for farmers. Photo: Vo Dung.
In the long term, to address the recurring issue of “good harvest, low prices,” not only for watermelons, but the locality plans to promote value chain linkages in production to secure stable outlets. The Farmers’ Association will coordinate with relevant agencies and businesses to find stable markets and build a local watermelon brand, aiming to enhance product value and ensure sustainable consumption.
According to farmers’ estimates, the cost of land rental, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation for watermelon cultivation exceeds VND 100 million per hectare, excluding labor. After two months of cultivation, yields reach around 20 tons per hectare. At current prices, farmers earn only about VND 60 million per hectare, resulting in losses of at least VND 40 million.
$1 = VND 26,355 (Source: Vietcombank)
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