Arabfields, Meriem Senouci, Correspondent, Hanoï, Vietnam — As the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 draws near, the agricultural markets in Vietnam’s Dong Thap province are experiencing a remarkable surge in prices for several key products, creating an atmosphere of optimism and prosperity among local farmers. This upward trend, driven by a combination of seasonal demand and supply dynamics, has brought substantial profits to producers who have long navigated fluctuating markets. After periods of relative stagnation, the recent price rebounds have allowed many households to not only cover their annual cultivation costs but also celebrate the festive season with greater financial security and enthusiasm.

One of the most notable increases has been observed in green pomelo prices, which have climbed impressively in the weeks leading up to Tet. Farmers in areas like My Phong commune have reported selling their harvests at around 30,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram, marking a rise of approximately 5,000 dong compared to the previous month. For families managing modest plots of around 3,000 square meters, this price level translates into meaningful earnings that support ongoing tree maintenance and family needs throughout the year. The leap year has played a role in this shift, as many early pomelo varieties were harvested about a month ahead of schedule, resulting in a tighter supply on the market just when demand for these fruits peaks for decorative purposes and gift-giving traditions. With fewer pomelos available than in typical years, yet consumer interest remaining strong, the natural imbalance has pushed prices higher, rewarding those who timed their production carefully.

Similar positive developments are evident in the pineapple sector across the Dong Thap Muoi region, where prices have risen sharply and remained elevated during the Tet period. Producers cultivating larger areas, such as 20 hectares, have successfully sold substantial volumes at 8,200 dong per kilogram, generating revenues close to 800 million dong from around 100 tons of fruit. After accounting for production expenses, farmers are enjoying profits in the range of 2,500 to 3,000 dong per kilogram, a margin that provides significant relief and encouragement. Throughout 2025 and into the early months of 2026, pineapple prices have demonstrated remarkable stability at high levels, offering reassurance to growers who had faced uncertainties in prior seasons. This consistent market performance, particularly amplified during the holiday rush, is motivating expanded investments in plantation renewal and quality enhancements, with an eye toward both satisfying domestic consumers and penetrating international export channels more deeply.

The iconic Hoa Loc mango, a cherished specialty of the region, has also seen strong demand and elevated pricing as Tet approaches. Merchants are purchasing top-quality fruits directly from orchards at between 120,000 and 140,000 dong per kilogram, reflecting an increase of 20,000 to 30,000 dong over pre-Tet levels. In communes like An Huu, where dedicated mango groves cover hundreds of hectares, the limited output this season has intensified competition among buyers. A notably low flowering rate, estimated at only 30 to 40 percent compared to healthier yields in past years, has constrained overall production, further tightening supply and supporting higher prices. With around 120 hectares expected to yield fruit specifically for the 2026 Lunar New Year market out of a larger cultivated base, the reduced harvest has created favorable conditions for sellers, underscoring how weather and biological factors can dramatically influence market outcomes in fruit agriculture.

These simultaneous price increases across multiple fruits represent more than temporary seasonal gains, they highlight a broader transformation underway in Dong Thap’s fruit industry. The province’s strategic position in the Mekong Delta, combined with recent administrative consolidations, has enabled larger-scale production planning and the establishment of specialized agricultural zones focused on processing and consumption linkages. With over 134,000 hectares dedicated to fruit trees and an annual output approaching 2.5 million tons, Dong Thap accounts for more than a third of the delta’s total orchard area, solidifying its role as a powerhouse in Vietnam’s agricultural landscape. The diversity of its offerings has expanded considerably, building on established varieties like Cao Lanh mangoes, Lai Vung mandarins, and Chau Thanh longans, while incorporating emerging stars such as durian, jackfruit, rambutan, and the prized Hoa Loc mango. This rich “fruit map” not only meets varied domestic preferences but also positions the province to respond effectively to growing global demand.

Looking ahead, the current trends suggest a promising trajectory for Dong Thap’s agricultural sector in the coming years. As concentrated raw material zones continue to form and cooperatives strengthen partnerships with processing businesses, production capacity is likely to grow steadily, potentially leading to even higher outputs by the late 2020s. The emphasis on traceability, safe production practices, and organic methods, supported by nearly 1,846 cultivation zone codes covering vast areas, will further enhance export competitiveness. With fruits already reaching demanding markets in the United States, European Union, Japan, and China, future Tet seasons could see sustained or increased price levels if supply constraints from weather patterns persist alongside rising holiday demand. Farmers may experience consistently higher incomes, encouraging further investments in technology and digital tools for managing orchards more efficiently.

Moreover, provincial initiatives to develop detailed soil maps and prioritize export-oriented planning are expected to drive sustainable expansion, possibly doubling the area under advanced cultivation practices within the next decade. This could result in price stability at elevated levels during peak periods like Tet, while also buffering against downturns through diversified markets. As global interest in high-quality tropical fruits grows, Dong Thap’s products are poised to capture larger shares internationally, translating into greater prosperity for local communities. The joyful atmosphere surrounding this year’s Tet celebrations may well foreshadow a new era of confidence and ambition, where farmers not only recover costs but build lasting wealth through innovative and market-responsive agriculture. The positive signals from 2026 indicate that, with continued focus on quality and value-chain integration, Dong Thap’s fruit sector will thrive, offering brighter prospects for generations to come.