Sweet potato – a precious medicine

Nearly a week after storm No. 12, the prices of vegetables, tubers, and fruits in Da Lat City (Lam Dong) are still 3-4 times higher than before and show no signs of stopping.

Because the output of vegetables in Da Lat and neighboring areas of Lam Dong province is decreasing sharply due to damage and flooding after storm No. 12.

However, according to Mr. Nguyen The Hien, representative of the Da Lat Agricultural Market Management Board, the prices of agricultural products in Da Lat have increased unevenly, such as: vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and radishes have increased about 2-3 times, while leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and cabbage have increased 3-4 times, with many types in short supply.

A survey by reporters shows that in many key vegetable production areas in Da Lat City such as Van Thanh, Ha Dong, Ward 7, Thai Phien…, all types of lettuce are purchased at the garden at a price of over 35,000 VND/kg, an increase of 30 – 50% or more compared to the end of October, especially American lettuce which has skyrocketed to 45,000 – 55,000 VND/kg but there is no stock to sell.

In particular, vegetable prices have skyrocketed, such as zucchini from 4,000 VND/kg to 14,000 VND/kg; cabbage 18,000 – 22,000 VND/kg; tomato prices have exceeded 20,000 VND/kg, broccoli over 40,000 VND/kg. Spinach prices have nearly tripled, reaching 40,000 VND/kg for jam…

Mr. Dinh Ngoc Hung, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Don Duong district, one of the vegetable capitals of Lam Dong province, said: “The recent storm No. 12 brought heavy rain and the release of floodwaters from the Da Nhim hydropower plant, causing over 100 hectares of crops to be flooded, with the two communes of Lac Xuan and Lac Lam suffering the most damage. Vegetable output has dropped severely, so the prices of fruits and vegetables are being pushed up very high. However, many garden owners are heartbroken because they cannot supply.”