Adverse Weather Halves Lychee Output in Bac Ninh, Sending Prices Soaring

Lychee prices have surged as output in the key growing region of Bac Ninh province is projected to fall by more than half this year due to adverse weather conditions. The northern province, which has over 29,800 hectares dedicated to the fruit, anticipates a total output of approximately 125,000 tonnes as the peak harvest season commences.

Busy harvest season

The main lychee harvest in Bac Ninh, which began on June 10 and is set to last for about one month, is proceeding despite significant challenges. Poor weather led to low rates of flowering and fruit-setting, but farmers have mitigated some of the impact by employing advanced cultivation techniques and intensifying orchard management to bolster fruit quality.

Nguyen Van Hung, a grower in Chu ward recognized for his high-quality lychees, anticipates his family's two-hectare orchard will yield about 10 tonnes this season, a 50% decline from previous years. He noted that meticulous cultivation has resulted in visually appealing fruit of consistent quality. During the peak harvest, Hung's family hires extra labor to pick the fruit in the early morning for traders.

Despite the reduced volume, Hung said growers are satisfied, as prices are two to three times higher than in prior years, currently fetching between VND70,000 and VND80,000 (US$2.60–$3.00) per kilogram. He projects prices could climb to VND100,000 per kilogram as the season concludes and supply diminishes.

Similarly, Tran Van Bon, who cultivates lychees on more than one hectare in Nam Duong commune, reported selling his fruit for VND60,000 to over VND70,000 per kilogram, approximately double the price from a year ago. Bon credited favorable weather during the later stages of fruit development for producing sweet, well-formed lychees. He also mentioned that local crop protection officials provided guidance on safe farming practices to meet standards for both domestic and export markets.

Expanding market access

Local authorities and growers are focusing on quality standards and market expansion to maximize returns. Nguyen Bien Thuy, vice chairman of the People’s Committee of Phuc Hoa commune, stated that over 80% of the commune's lychee cultivation area adheres to VietGAP or GlobalGAP standards, with more than 30% holding active VietGAP certifications.

Thuy added that the commune is pursuing VietGAP certification for an additional 30 hectares and GlobalGAP certification for 17 hectares this year to improve product quality, increase consumer trust, and enhance market competitiveness.

To facilitate sales, local governments have organized business networking events, and enterprises have proactively surveyed growing areas to sign large purchase contracts. Logistics have also been upgraded, with hundreds of refrigerated containers available for exports to high-standard international markets.

In Nam Duong commune, the total lychee area is over 1,042 hectares, with 645 hectares planted with early-ripening varieties. Over 1,020 hectares are cultivated under VietGAP standards, with this year's output estimated at more than 2,500 tonnes.

Le Tuan Anh, chairman of the Nam Duong People’s Committee, said the commune is prioritizing digital transformation and e-commerce to broaden its market reach. Promotional efforts include livestream sales campaigns to raise the profile of the local lychee brand. Anh also noted the commune is strengthening digital links between producers, cooperatives, businesses, and consumers to reduce intermediaries and boost farmer incomes, alongside expanding sales through e-commerce platforms and modern distribution channels.