Dong Thap: Many OCOP products originate from lotus

As one of the five key industries under the Agricultural Restructuring Project of Dong Thap province, lotus not only brings economic value but also cultural value, associated with tourism development, creating the image of the homeland of the pink lotus.

A map of Vietnam with the entire Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos has been created from 5,000 lotus pots on the surface of Confucius Lake, in Van Mieu Park, Cao Lanh city, Dong Thap province.

Through the diligence, hard work and talent of the local people, from the stem, tubers, flowers to pistils and leaves of the lotus tree have become OCOP products, gifts that position the image of the homeland or famous dishes that are indispensable in spiritual life. Dong Thap has planned and developed concentrated lotus production areas in the districts of Thap Muoi, Cao Lanh, Lap Vo... with a total area of 1,838 hectares, an average profit of 28 million VND/ha/crop; production value of 1,900 billion VND in 2023. There are 56 lotus products that have achieved OCOP from 3 stars or more, including one product that has achieved OCOP 5 stars, which is dried lotus seeds.

Lotus is grown for seeds, fresh lotus seeds are purchased and brought to the processing factory. Currently, dried lotus seeds are a national OCOP product.

Dong Thap currently has a lotus growing area of over 1,800 hectares, which not only brings economic value but is also associated with the development of eco-tourism , helping farmers increase their income.

Growing lotus for tubers is a new model in Thap Muoi district (Dong Thap province), with a yield of 5-7 tons/ha. Lotus tubers grown according to the process are guaranteed to be consumed at a price of 20,000 VND/kg, with an estimated profit of 40-45 million VND/ha per crop.

Dong Thap has 56 lotus products that have achieved OCOP 3 stars or higher. Lotus heart tea - one of the provincial 3-star OCOP products.

Not only are lotus stems used to make thread for the fashion industry, lotus leaves are also breathed life into portrait paintings through the talented hands of artists.

Dried lotus root is made from fresh lotus root in growing areas in Thap Muoi and Cao Lanh districts... has become a national 5-star OCOP product.

For the first time, Dong Thap exported 15 tons of lotus roots to Japan, helping farmers increase their income.

Diversified OCOP products from lotus

200 dishes and drinks made from lotus as the main ingredient such as lotus root, lotus shoot, lotus seed, lotus leaf, lotus heart... were recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization, and at the same time set a world record, within the framework of the 1st Dong Thap Lotus Festival.

Vietnam.vn