Countryside on the Eve of Tet: Spring Fragrance Emanates from Kinh Mon's Shallot and Garlic Fields

Throughout the countryside roads leading into Kinh Mon (Hai Duong), the Tet atmosphere permeates the air. This region boasts the largest shallot and garlic cultivation in the country, preserving the farmers' pride and love of labor. This winter, Kinh Mon reached a milestone with over 4,478 hectares cultivated, 90% dedicated to shallots and garlic, affirming their position as key crops. The fields, a brilliant green from dawn till dusk, are planted from October to November and harvested from January to February. After Tet, farmers return to the fields to harvest and prepare for the spring-summer rice crop. The sounds of motorbikes carrying tools blend with the laughter of farmers fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Mrs. Pham Thi Do, after a night shift, diligently waters her shallot field. "The land does not disappoint those who work hard," she says, tending her 0.8 hectares, which yields a significant income. In Bach Dang commune, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nga weeds her family's shallot and garlic field, a source of substantial income despite challenges like fungal diseases. According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Uy, Director of Bach Dang Agricultural Service Cooperative, the commune's shallot and garlic yield is about 5,536 tons annually. Farmers must carefully select seeds, prepare the soil, and fertilize properly. On the eve of Tet, some harvest fresh shallots and garlic, while most wait until the first lunar month for better quality and prices. The pungent aroma of the harvest fills the air, promising a bountiful spring. The shallots and garlic are not only for domestic consumption but also exported, contributing significantly to farmers' income.