In the past two months, heavy rainfalls have been persistent in both northern and southern regions of mainland China, leading to extensive flooding of farmlands and causing significant losses for farmers and agriculture. The floods have severely disrupted the market supply, directly impacting the vegetable production chain. Coupled with human factors, vegetable prices have soared. The recent skyrocketing vegetable prices in mainland China have sparked heated discussions, with some prices increasing by up to 40%.
Many mainland Chinese citizens have been expressing on social media platforms that vegetable prices across various regions have surged, becoming a hot topic at dining tables. Particularly concerning is the unprecedented price surge of cucumbers, typically abundant and affordable, now selling for 7 yuan per kilogram, with some vegetables experiencing a 40% price hike. There are concerns that prices may rise even further in September, as mainland residents analyze the reasons behind the exorbitant vegetable prices.
From July to August, multiple rounds of heavy rain have battered Shandong, Hebei, and other regions, turning farmlands into waterlogged areas. Flooding has ravaged Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Northeast China, causing severe damage to crops. The widespread flooding has submerged numerous vegetable bases, damaging root systems and washing away produce. Farmers have suffered immense losses.
On August 26, Shouguang, Shandong, was hit by fierce winds and torrential rain, leaving many areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall. Farmers and villagers found themselves in desperate situations as their greenhouses collapsed under the onslaught of strong winds. Plastic films were torn apart and crops were engulfed by violent floods, turning vegetable fields into vast water bodies.
Over the years, Shandong has been a major hub for the domestic vegetable market, particularly Shouguang. The severe disaster in Shouguang has become one of the reasons for the surge in vegetable prices.
A blogger known as “肉肉新媒體” from Shandong remarked that everyday staples have suddenly taken on the guise of luxury goods on dining tables. Cucumbers are now selling for 8 yuan per kilogram, tomatoes exceeding 5 yuan per kilogram, and spinach approaching 10 yuan per kilogram. It’s a time when vegetables are more expensive than meat, prompting reflections on the evolving food economy.
The surge in vegetable prices, the blogger explained, is not solely due to natural disasters but also influenced by human factors. In recent years, the costs of vegetable cultivation, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, have been continuously rising, while vegetable prices often fluctuate due to market supply and demand dynamics. Many farmers have opted to abandon vegetable cultivation after weighing the pros and cons. In addition to declining farming interest, the outflow of rural labor force is another significant factor contributing to the soaring vegetable prices. Invisible cost factors such as transportation expenses, storage losses, and intermediary profits all contribute to the increased price of vegetables by the time they reach consumers, with prices rising several times over.
Furthermore, the present period is characterized by a shortage of vegetables due to the transitional period between early-harvested and late-harvest vegetables. With early-maturing vegetables already harvested and late-maturing ones yet to ripen, there is a supply gap in the market, naturally leading to higher vegetable prices.
Following the heavy rainfall in Northeast China, vegetable prices have also risen, as stated by the Liaoning blogger “冰新自由行”.
The situation of heavy rainfall in northern China continues to persist in recent times. According to reports from China News Network, the latest weather forecast released by the China Meteorological Administration indicates that from September 3 to 5, Xinjiang, the central and eastern parts of Northwest China, Inner Mongolia, North China, Northeast China, and other areas will experience light to moderate rain, with some areas seeing heavy or torrential rain. From September 6 to 8, the central and eastern parts of Northwest China, central and western Inner Mongolia, and northern North China will see more light to moderate rain, with heavy rainfall in some areas.