Quang Chau is a mountaineous commune of Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province. The commune has successfully converted low-yield rice cultivation into Vietnamese lotuses, bringing high economic returns. The lotus farming model not only provides significant income for locals. It helps revitalize rural areas and contributes to the development of local tourism.
Visiting Quang Chau Commune, it is easy to see large lotus ponds covering vast areas. Achieving such beautiful ponds required residents to undergo a long and challenging process. They transformed initially waterlogged rice fields into lotus-growing areas.
Vietnamese lotuses
Previously, rice farming was inefficient, often damaged by storms and flooding. Residents recognized the potential of lotus and, with support from local authorities, studied and visited lotus ponds in neighboring areas. They gained knowledge and shifted from low-yield rice cultivation to Vietnamese lotuses.
Lotus adapts well to low-lying, muddy, and moist land and is relatively resistant to disease. Frequent rainfall favors lotus growth, resulting in more flowers and seed pods, while dry periods limit growth. To produce large, full, and uniform lotus seeds, careful management is essential.
The period after Tet (Lunar New Year) is particularly important. Farmers remove weeds and apply NPK fertilizer once leaves appear on the water surface to ensure healthy growth. Skipping this care stage can result in poorly developed plants, small or empty seed pods, and low yields.
The cultivation of Vietnamese lotuses not only increases farmers’ income but also helps promote local tourism. Today, in Quang Chau Commune, lotus has become the main crop in most low-lying areas and low-yield rice fields. The lotus farming model has improved local incomes, created job opportunities for many workers, and enhanced the environment. Every lotus blooming season attracts visitors who come to enjoy and photograph the flowers.
Crop restructuring, including the introduction of high-value crops like lotus, has increased income per cultivated area. Converting low-yield rice fields into lotus cultivation has proven highly effective.
With wholesale prices ranging from 12,000–15,000 VND per dozen lotus flowers and young seed pods, and 35,000–40,000 VND per kilogram of fresh lotus seeds, lotus provides significant value to Quang Chau residents. In 2023, lotus production and product prices were slightly lower than the previous year due to prolonged rains.
These rains caused leaf curling at the start of the season, increased disease incidence, fewer developing shoots, and earlier flower wilting. Despite this decrease, income from lotus cultivation remains much higher than that from rice farming.
Vietnamese lotus seeds
Farmers harvest Vietnamese lotuses over a three-month period, from June to August each year. Lotus products are highly favored by consumers and are therefore easy to sell. The lotus flower is honored in many traditional ceremonies and festivals.
Vietnamese lotus seeds are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, which help improve and maintain a healthy digestive system. They are materials to make sweets, mooncakes, other pastries, and are an important ingredient in several Asian dishes.
Growing lotus on low-yield rice fields has helped diversify agricultural products and brought high economic returns to local residents. The commune will continue restructuring crop patterns to adapt to climate change and support local production development. It also aims to increase income for residents and attract visitors for tourism and experiences.
In addition, thanks to the influx of tourists who come to visit and take photos, locals can sell lotus products directly to visitors. This serves as an effective way to promote products, as tourists often buy gifts for their families, helping lotus products reach many regions across the country.
Vietnamese source: https://sanphamvungmien.vn//san-pham-vung-mien/mien-bac/2024/7/mo-hinh-trong-sen-mang-lai-hieu-qua-kinh-te-cho-nguoi-dan-huyen-viet-yen-bac-giang
