Farmers Celebrate Tet but Remain Dedicated to Their Fields and Orchards

Like many other orchard owners in Dong Nai province, mangosteen farmer Nguyen Thanh Phuoc has been working throughout the Tet holiday. He's hoping for an early blossoming and fruiting season, especially since the unusual weather with prolonged cold temperatures has delayed the process. "From before Tet until now, I have been constantly monitoring and caring for the orchard," Phuoc shared, concerned about the impact on not just mangosteen but also rambutan, durian, and dragon fruit. His one-hectare orchard has yet to bud, unlike last year. Meanwhile, in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, rice farmers like Tran Van Dinh were already back in their fields on the second day of Tet. His family diligently weeded and checked water levels in their two-hectare rice paddy. "This is the main rice crop of the year," Dinh explained, emphasizing its importance for their livelihood. Another farmer, Tran Van Teo, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the challenges posed by the foggy and cold weather to the rice crop, impacting its growth and increasing pest infestations. For these farmers, starting the year in the fields symbolizes their hope for a prosperous year and a bountiful harvest.