These days, in the sugarcane fields in Cu Lao Dung district (Soc Trang province), the harvest season is underw...
These days, in the sugarcane fields in Cu Lao Dung district (Soc Trang province), the harvest season is underway. Compared to previous seasons, the price of sugarcane this year has increased significantly, ranging from 70 to 100 VND/kg. The farmers are extremely excited about the harvest.
Sugarcane growers in Cu Lao Dung (Soc Trang) are successful in the 2023-2024 crop season. Photo: Phuong Anh
Profit of 70 million VND/ha
After harvesting 1 hectare of sugarcane, Mr. Nguyen Van Ut in Dai An 1 commune (Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province) excitedly revealed that this year's sugarcane yield is about 120 tons/ha, an increase of 10 to 20 tons compared to the previous crop season. The sugarcane is purchased by Soc Trang Sugarcane Joint Stock Company at a price of 1,320 VND/kg, higher by 70 to 100 VND/kg compared to the same period last year. After deducting expenses, the profit is about 70 million VND/ha.
According to Mr. Vo Van Thanh - Director of the Cu Lao Dung Sugarcane Cooperative, in the 2023-2024 sugarcane crop season, the cooperative cultivated nearly 500 hectares of sugarcane, mainly Khonkean 3, Roc 16, K95-156 varieties.
Mr. Thanh stated that, thanks to the investment policies in raw material areas, the local residents are assured about input materials for production. Moreover, with the relatively high purchasing price, after deducting fertilizer expenses, labor costs, the profit increased by 10 - 20% compared to the same period last year.
Cu Lao Dung district has about 2,700 hectares of sugarcane, of which about 700 hectares have been harvested, with an average yield of 120 tons/ha (sugar content from 9-11 CCS).
Recently, the district People's Committee has coordinated with Soc Trang Sugarcane Joint Stock Company to support farmers in sugarcane cultivation, such as seedlings, fertilizers, and market outlets for farmers.
Sugarcane being transported to Soc Trang Sugarcane Joint Stock Company. Photo: Phuong Anh
Mr. Tran Ngoc Hieu - Director of Soc Trang Sugarcane Joint Stock Company, said that in the 2023-2024 sugarcane crop season, the company established raw material areas on over 3,400 hectares in Soc Trang province. From the beginning of the season, the company invested interest-free capital for farmers to purchase fertilizers, sugarcane seedlings, labor costs, land preparation, land improvement with a total budget of nearly 30 billion VND. At the same time, it collaborated with local authorities to establish 12 cooperatives and 1 sugarcane cooperative with an area of nearly 1,000 hectares.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dac - Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cu Lao Dung district, said that in the 2023 - 2024 crop season, 60% of the sugarcane area in the district has signed contracts with Soc Trang Sugarcane Joint Stock Company for output, so farmers are very assured of production; along with that, the selling price always brings good profits to sugarcane growers.
Laborers earn decent income from sugarcane harvesting
In the last 3 years, sugarcane in Cu Lao Dung district not only brings sweetness to growers but also provides income for rural laborers.
Ms. Tran Thi Lieu in Dai An 1 commune - said that for the past 20 years, harvesting sugarcane for hire has been the main source of income for her family.
"My family doesn't own any land, so I go to cut (harvest) sugarcane for those who grow sugarcane locally. Cutting 1 ton of sugarcane, the wage ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 VND depending on the distance," Ms. Lieu said.
According to Ms. Lieu, she starts going to the sugarcane fields at around 1 in the morning and finishes cutting by about 7-8 in the morning, harvesting 1 to 2 tons of sugarcane per day. The income is about 300,000 VND.
Hundreds of laborers in Cu Lao Dung (Soc Trang) earn decent income from harvesting sugarcane. Photo: Phuong Anh
Similarly, Mr. Tran Thanh Nhan in Dai An 1 commune (Cu Lao Dung, Soc Trang) - said that this year, with the high price of sugarcane, the wage for cutting and carrying sugarcane has improved. On average, carrying each ton of sugarcane earns a wage of 250,000 - 350,000 VND, and for sugarcane patches that are further away, the price is even higher. At this time, with diligence and skill, it is possible to earn 500,000 - 600,000 VND per day.
"This is a significant amount for ordinary laborers like us," Mr. Nhan said.
Via Lao dong