Carrots are not only visually appealing with their vibrant colors but also serve as an essential winter crop in Northern Vietnam. Known for their versatility and nutritional value, these root vegetables play a vital role in the region's agricultural landscape and culinary traditions.
Carrots, a strong seasonal vegetable in Northern Vietnam, are primarily cultivated in the Red River Delta region, including areas such as Hanoi, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Thai Binh. As a winter crop, carrots thrive in the cool climate and fertile soil of these regions.
What are the months of winter in the North of Vietnam?
The winter season of carrots in Northern Vietnam generally spans from November to February. The winter season in Northern Vietnam, according to meteorological classification, typically begins with the first cold spell when the average daily temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius. Generally, the official start of winter is in the latter half of November. The coldest and most severe cold spells usually occur from the latter half of December to January and February.
Winter in Northern Vietnam is characterized by cold weather, especially in the first half, with dry and chilly conditions. In the latter half of winter, the air becomes more humid, while the weather remains cold. The average temperature during winter in Northern Vietnam is around 13-15 degrees Celsius. However, there are also periods of even lower temperatures, and in mountainous areas, snowfall can occasionally be observed.
What vegetables are grown in winter?
In Northern Vietnam, several vegetables are commonly grown during the winter season due to the region's cool climate. These vegetables thrive in lower temperatures and contribute to the availability of fresh produce during the winter months. Some of the vegetables grown in the North during winter include: Cabbage, radish, mustard greens, peas and carrots.
If you're planning to grow carrots, it's essential to choose the right time for sowing and harvesting.
For early planting, it is recommended to sow carrot seeds in September or October. These months offer favorable conditions for seed germination and early growth. The soil is still warm, and there is sufficient moisture for successful seedling establishment. If you opt for a late-season carrot crop, the ideal time for planting is in January or February. During this period, the weather gradually becomes milder, and the soil conditions are suitable for carrot cultivation. However, note that the growth and harvest period for late-season carrots will be shorter compared to early planting.
Carrots have a growth period ranging from 100 to 130 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.To ensure optimal carrot quality and storage life, it's recommended to harvest them on sunny and dry days. Moisture from rain or dew can increase the risk of post-harvest issues such as rotting or mold development.
Bringing “winter crop” in Northern Vietnam - Carrots product to the world.
For many years, the winter crop has been identified as the main crop in Hai Duong province. Therefore, the provincial agricultural sector always encourages people to cultivate various types of crops. According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hai Duong province, in the winter crop of 2021-2022, approximately 22.3 thousand hectares of various leafy vegetables were cultivated in the region. Based on evaluations, the yields of most crops have increased or remained equivalent to the previous winter crop, especially for main crops such as onions, garlic, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes.
A bright spot in winter crop production in Hai Duong province in recent years is the export of certain products, with carrots being one of the typical products. With a total area of up to 360 hectares, Duc Chinh commune is considered the "carrot granary" of Cam Giang district (Hai Duong province) and the largest carrot cultivation area in the northern region. Most farmers sell their entire carrot harvest to traders at the time of harvesting. The winter-spring crop of 2022 was affected by prolonged cold weather, resulting in slower carrot growth and a delayed harvest compared to previous years. Although the yield was not as high as in previous years, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the improved export situation has brought great excitement to the farmers.
According to the Duc Chinh Agricultural Cooperative: "This year's carrot crop faced unfavorable weather conditions, with slower growth. However, the yield still reached over 1 ton per hectare, with many fields yielding around 1.8 to 2 tons per hectare. Carrot prices fluctuate depending on market conditions and supply sources''. With its strengths and potential, the Duc Chinh Agricultural Cooperative continues to play a leading role in coordinating production and consumption for more than 100 member households in the region.
Each year, the main export markets for carrots in our country are primarily South Korea, followed by Middle Eastern countries and Malaysia. In the winter-spring crop of 2022-2023, carrot growers and businesses received joyful news as the South Korean market allowed carrot imports to resume after a temporary ban. South Korea is the primary market for carrot imports in Vietnam overall, and specifically for Hai Duong province. In the winter-spring crop of 2021, approximately 100,000 tons of carrots were exported to South Korea, with a significant portion originating from Hai Duong province. In this market, controlling pests, especially nematodes, is of utmost importance.
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