Nghe An farmers rent generators and water pumps to save vegetables after storm No. 5

bna_mau6949600937490_01c6fe0460a4beb6e7fc85483eed5ec8.jpg — Mr. Tong rebuilt the squash trellis after the storm. Photo: TP

In the vegetable area of Quynh Mai ward, these days, the urgent atmosphere of recovery is evident in every field. Mr. Phan Van Tong in Binh Minh village said: "My family's more than 2 sao of fragrant squash were in the harvest period when the storm hit, the trellis fell down, and there was also flooding. Right after the storm, I had to hire a pump to continuously drain the water out. Now I am rebuilding the trellis with 2 workers, adding fertilizer to save the plants."

Not only squash, many areas of onions, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and white eggplants were also heavily affected. Mr. Nguyen Hong Nam in Quynh Mai ward sighed: "Several hectares of onions and vegetables were being prepared for sale when they were flooded. I had to rent a pump to drain the water, which increased the cost, but if I didn't do it, it would be a total loss. Even though it was expensive, I still had to accept it."

bna_mau6949877642893_dfd608e3378c34fb8c1ca2a47f0c8f17.jpg — Pumping water to drain waterlogging and save the green onion area. Photo: TP

In Quynh Anh commune, many vegetable areas are still deeply submerged in water. In some higher areas, people are urgently draining water, re-hoeing the soil, and taking care of areas that can still recover. Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan, who has 1 sao of white eggplant, shared: "At this time, eggplants are in high demand, selling for 13,000 VND/kg, but the storm caused them to fall and flood. I had to quickly rebuild the trellis, fertilize, and take care of them to recover somewhat."

Not only to overcome the current area, people also calculate for the upcoming winter crop. Households have started to prepare the land, propagate chayote, and strengthen the water supply system to be able to plant in time. This initiative and flexibility is expected to help people not miss the season.

bna_mau6949609205368_2e4b50e6b485f869c19c89be3ced92d3.jpg — Reconstructing the area of fallen coconut trees. Photo: TP

Not only coastal areas, but also semi-mountainous communes suffered heavy losses. In Dai Hue commune, 462.7 hectares of summer-autumn rice, 145.3 hectares of crops were flooded, nearly 20,000 fruit trees and timber trees were broken. Mr. Nguyen Thuc Quang - Head of the Commune Economic Department said: "Immediately after the storm, we directed people to focus on draining water, re-erecting fallen trees, and at the same time, providing care techniques to save the remaining trees. With the area completely lost, the commune mobilized people to clear the land, preparing for the new crop."

In Van An commune, the damage was even more severe: More than 800 hectares of corn, vegetables and 250 hectares of fruit trees were damaged by over 70%; 1,059 hectares of rice were affected, of which 750 hectares were completely lost.

bna_mau6949901462439_4f043055fe292117ace7ed02bc75781f.jpg — Taking care of the remaining vegetable area after the storm. Photo: TP

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thinh - Head of the Commune Economic Department said: "We have sent cadres to the grassroots, instructing people to harvest, drain water, and clear fallen trees. For fruit trees such as lemon, apple, guava, etc., people are advised to erect trees, tie stakes, cut off broken branches, and take care of them. Although the damage is huge, people are making efforts every day to overcome it."

According to a quick report from Nghe An province, more than 13,361 hectares of rice and more than 2,000 hectares of vegetables were damaged in the province, with many areas completely lost. This figure shows the devastating power of the storm, making the recovery process even more urgent. The provincial Department of Agriculture also promptly provided technical guidance.

bna_mau6949893049555_b5d47b18255ee18bd5941534c3d87608.jpg — Preparing chayote seeds for new crop, restoring production after storm. Photo: TP

Mr. Phan Duy Hai - Deputy Director of Nghe An Department of Cultivation and Plant Protection, recommends: "For fruit trees, after storms, it is necessary to drain water immediately, straighten the tree roots, and prevent leaning. At the same time, cut off broken branches, loosen the crust around the roots, use root stimulants, sprinkle lime powder and disease prevention drugs. When the tree recovers, add balanced NPK fertilizer, combined with organic biological fertilizer to increase resistance."

As for the area of vegetables that have been completely lost, the industry encourages people to replant short-term crops such as soybeans, potatoes, cucumbers, etc. using minimal tillage methods, or even no tillage, to shorten time and reduce costs.