As Vietnam approaches the Lunar New Year, the annual ritual of purchasing kumquat trees has been deeply impacted by extreme weather, including a devastating typhoon and heatwaves, leading to a disruption in a beloved tradition.
Typhoon and Heatwaves Disrupt Lunar New Year Celebrations in Vietnam
Typhoon and Heatwaves Disrupt Lunar New Year Celebrations in Vietnam
Severe weather conditions lead to price fluctuations for kumquat trees, a staple of Tet festivities.
In Vietnam, the arrival of the Lunar New Year, or Tet, is marked by the vibrant display of potted kumquat trees, often seen being transported on the backs of motorbikes across bustling cities. However, the unforeseen combination of Typhoon Yagi and extreme heat have led to considerable challenges for ornamental plant farmers this year.
The typhoon, which struck in September, flooded substantial areas of farmland and severely impacted the critical growing season for kumquats and other traditional festive plants. For farmers like Nguyen Thi Hoa, who cultivates kumquat trees near the Red River in Hanoi, the aftermath has been devastating. She reported that rising floodwaters caused significant losses, with nearly half of her 500 trees perishing due to the storm.
This year's harvest has faced a double-whammy, as the remaining kumquats—now smaller and often deemed unattractive—have resulted in falling prices, further complicating the annual purchasing frenzy. Initially, the limited availability of quality kumquats caused wholesale prices to spike. However, as consumer confidence waned, demand plummeted, leading to prices dropping by over 40% compared to previous years.
With the Lunar New Year symbolizing hope and renewal, the kumquat tree serves as a significant emblem in many Vietnamese households, akin to the roles Christmas trees and Thanksgiving traditions play in Western cultures. As farmers worked tirelessly amid fluctuating market dynamics, many found themselves grappling with unsold stock and financial distress.
Market alternatives, such as orchids and persimmon branches, have begun to fill the gap as consumers seek more affordable options to maintain their festive spirit. The changing landscape of the ornamental plant market during this vital season underscores how external forces like weather can impact cultural practices and the livelihoods of those who uphold them.
As Tet approaches, Nguyen Thi Hoa expressed the collective sentiment of her community: “We’re all in a sad mood,” encapsulating the losses felt not just economically, but emotionally, for a season that traditionally brings joy and prosperity.
The typhoon, which struck in September, flooded substantial areas of farmland and severely impacted the critical growing season for kumquats and other traditional festive plants. For farmers like Nguyen Thi Hoa, who cultivates kumquat trees near the Red River in Hanoi, the aftermath has been devastating. She reported that rising floodwaters caused significant losses, with nearly half of her 500 trees perishing due to the storm.
This year's harvest has faced a double-whammy, as the remaining kumquats—now smaller and often deemed unattractive—have resulted in falling prices, further complicating the annual purchasing frenzy. Initially, the limited availability of quality kumquats caused wholesale prices to spike. However, as consumer confidence waned, demand plummeted, leading to prices dropping by over 40% compared to previous years.
With the Lunar New Year symbolizing hope and renewal, the kumquat tree serves as a significant emblem in many Vietnamese households, akin to the roles Christmas trees and Thanksgiving traditions play in Western cultures. As farmers worked tirelessly amid fluctuating market dynamics, many found themselves grappling with unsold stock and financial distress.
Market alternatives, such as orchids and persimmon branches, have begun to fill the gap as consumers seek more affordable options to maintain their festive spirit. The changing landscape of the ornamental plant market during this vital season underscores how external forces like weather can impact cultural practices and the livelihoods of those who uphold them.
As Tet approaches, Nguyen Thi Hoa expressed the collective sentiment of her community: “We’re all in a sad mood,” encapsulating the losses felt not just economically, but emotionally, for a season that traditionally brings joy and prosperity.
