Bac Giang enjoys early harvest of “thieu” lychee

The northern province of Bac Giang had harvested 16,735 tonnes of “thieu” lychee as of June 1, with prices ranging from VND25,000 to VND45,000 (US$1.08 to US$1.95) per kilogram, according to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade.

"Thieu" lychee is a specialty of northern Bac Giang province (Photo: VNA)
"Thieu" lychee is a specialty of northern Bac Giang province (Photo: VNA)

The fruit is in bloom in Tan Yen and Luc Nam districts, with farmers in the former harvesting nearly 1,000 tonnes each day.

Main markets during this early part of the season are domestic, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and northern Lao Cai province.

According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lai Thanh Son, “thieu” lychee is a key crop within the local agriculture sector’s economic development.

Production value is estimated at VND4 trillion - VND4.5 trillion (US$172.8 million - US$194.4 million) annually, representing 25-28% of the local cultivation sector.

The positive outcome this year is attributed to the expansion of production areas operating under VietGap, GlobalGAP, and organic standards, as well as the application of new technical solutions and creative methods adopted by growers.

The province has built sales plans and scenarios, thus enabling businesses and traders to study and buy the local lychee.

A video conference promoting “thieu” lychee is scheduled to take place on June 6, connecting 62 locations nationwide and two from China’s Guangxi and Yunnan provinces.

Bac Giang will continue its policy of diversifying markets, and has so far exported “thieu” lychee to more than 30 countries and territories.

China remains the traditional market, while the province will also target Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

It is also moving to expand exports to fastidious markets such as the Middle East, the EU, the US, and Canada.