Growing lotus in low-lying areas of Trieu Co

QTO - In recent years, taking advantage of low-lying, flood-prone land and alluvial plains, farmers in Trieu Co commune have boldly transformed their crop structure, introducing lotus cultivation. This approach not only helps revitalize these disadvantaged areas but also opens up sustainable livelihoods and increases income for local people.

Harvesting lotus seeds in the low-lying area of ​​Trieu Co - Photo: KS

A new direction from the lotus plant.

Previously, many areas in Trieu Co commune were low-lying, waterlogged fields, frequently flooded during the rainy season, making rice cultivation difficult and resulting in unstable yields. This situation led to some people abandoning their fields and ponds, allowing weeds to grow rampant. In line with the policy of restructuring crop patterns to increase economic value per unit area, the Party Committee and the government of Trieu Co commune have actively participated.

Through surveys, it was found that the unique characteristics of the muddy soil were very suitable for lotus cultivation. The commune then intensified its efforts to promote and encourage households to convert low-yield rice fields to lotus cultivation. From the initial experimental areas, lotus has now established itself as a thriving crop in the low-lying areas of Trieu Co.

Compared to rice, lotus plants possess many superior advantages in terms of investment costs and care. According to farmers' experience, lotus is an "easy-to-grow" plant, suitable for low-lying land, with low losses and few pests and diseases. Farmers only need to invest in seeds once; in subsequent years, the plants will develop on their own after basic fertilization. Typically, lotus seeds are planted starting in February. After about 4-6 months of care, they can be harvested, and the harvesting period lasts continuously for 3 months.

Tourists and locals take photos by the lotus pond in Trieu Co - Photo: KS

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, residing in Phuong An village, one of the pioneering households in lotus cultivation in Trieu Co commune, shared: “My family cultivates more than one acre of lotus. This land used to be prone to flooding when growing rice, resulting in very low yields. Since switching to lotus cultivation, I find the plant suitable for this soil. Now that the lotus is ready for harvest, the people are very excited because the plants are growing well and are of high quality. Especially, we are confident about the market thanks to the cooperative that buys directly from the farm. With an income of 60-70 million VND per acre, the economic efficiency from lotus is many times higher than growing rice.”

Encouraged by the results, next season, Ms. Thuy plans to convert another 1,000 square meters of low-yield rice land to lotus cultivation. This model not only helps people escape poverty but also opens up sustainable livelihoods in this challenging area.

Enhancing the value of agricultural products

To date, Trieu Co commune has developed 35 hectares of lotus cultivation. Product output is relatively stable thanks to the close connection between the cooperative and traders. The average price of lotus seeds with shells is 50,000 VND/kg; products with the inner membrane removed and the lotus heart extracted are priced at approximately 160,000 VND/kg. After deducting expenses, each hectare of lotus cultivation yields an average net profit of about 150 million VND, making a significant contribution to poverty reduction in the locality.

Besides their economic value, the lush green lotus ponds also offer potential for ecotourism development. Ms. Luong Thi Thanh Tra from Quang Tri ward shared: “Seeing the lotus pond in Trieu Co was so beautiful and fragrant, I stopped to take some commemorative photos. I hope the local authorities will develop more experiential services to promote the image of my hometown even more.”

The process of processing lotus products at Trieu Son Lotus Agricultural Products Cooperative - Photo: KS

To contribute to making lotus a truly key crop, the Trieu Son Lotus Agricultural Products Cooperative has focused on deep processing and expanding its consumer market.

Ms. Tran Thi Lan, Deputy Director of Trieu Son Lotus Agricultural Products Cooperative, said: “Based on local raw materials, we purchase fresh lotus to process into 10 product lines, from stems, leaves, seeds to lotus hearts. Trieu Co lotus is of high quality and delicious thanks to being grown in fertile mud. The cooperative's products are currently available in supermarkets nationwide, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, the cooperative provides stable employment for 5 workers with a salary of 6 million VND/month, and revenue reaches about 1 billion VND/year. Recognizing lotus as a potential crop, Trieu Co commune is gradually developing this crop into a key product. In the future, the cooperative will diversify its products with deep processing from lotus stems, leaves, and tubers; and invest in modern machinery and equipment.”

The revival of low-lying areas in Trieu Co commune demonstrates the innovative thinking and resourcefulness of farmers in adapting to nature. With the support of the Party committee and the government, lotus cultivation promises to become a "lever" to promote sustainable socio-economic development in the locality.

According to Hoang Thi Hong Hue, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Trieu Co commune: "The locality will continue to encourage people to make the most of low-lying land and abandoned ponds to expand the scale of lotus cultivation. The commune will coordinate to provide guidance on safe techniques, support people in developing OCOP products, and encourage the development of experiential tourism at lotus ponds."

Ko Kan Suong

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202605/trong-sen-tren-vung-dat-trung-o-trieu-co-64412d7/