Lotus creates a multi-value economic chain

Elevating the lotus tree

Dong Thap is a locality with favourable conditions for lotus plants to grow. In recent times, many lotus growing models have brought high economic efficiency to people with profits 3-4 times higher than rice growing. In addition, Dong Thap farmers skillfully add value to lotus plants through developing tourism service products and developing OCOP products. 

Lotus is a typical symbol of Dong Thap province, additionally, lotus is one of 5 industries included in the project to restructure the local agricultural sector (rice, pangasius, ornamental flowers and lotus). The lotus is being developed in the direction of reducing costs and improving quality. Processed products are advancing in the direction of quality, safety and sustainability.

Mr. Nguyen Van Vu Minh, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the lotus plant has been associated with the land of Dong Thap since ancient times. Dong Thap is also known as the Land of Pink Lotus, this is a familiar plant closely associated with the people here. In 2015, the total lotus growing area in the province was 1,265 ha, accounting for 3.5% of the entire province's crop area, with output reaching 984 tons. However, in the period 2016 - 2019, the lotus area decreased quite sharply due to pests and lack of output connection, with only 800 - 880 ha left, with output ranging from 600 - 720 tons/year. 

Since 2021, the lotus area has been restored, reaching 1,300 ha, with an output of over 1,000 tons, focusing on growing in the following districts: Thap Muoi, Tam Nong, Cao Lanh, Tan Hong and Lap Vo.

Mr. Pham Thien Nghia, Chairman of Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee said: Lotus trees in Dong Thap are not only grown for seed pods and roots. Nowadays, lotus is also diversified with products from lotus essential oil, and lotus silk, to tourism services such as sightseeing in lotus fields, and lotus cuisine, creating a high economic value chain. Currently, the lotus plant has been selected by the People's Committee of Dong Thap province. It is included in the building and development of the key agricultural products brand in Dong Thap province in the period of 2021 - 2025. 

“Dong Thap province expects all lotus farmers, local production facilities and businesses to join hands to implement solutions to improve lotus production. Not only creating a local brand but also promoting the value of the province's lotus industry chain", Mr Pham Thien Nghia, Chairman of Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee said.

Shake off the mud and reach the global market

Previously, lotus was only for viewing when it was still thriving in the field. At that time, lotus farmers only lived by harvesting lotus flowers, lotus stems, and lotus roots. 

Over time, lotus has now become a rich source of raw materials to create many products such as lotus essential oil, lotus silk, lotus tea, lotus milk, lotus lipstick, lotus herbs, and gifts... Since then, many initiatives and startup ideas from Lotus have been born, bringing economic value to the province. Additionally, promoting the development of the lotus agricultural economy associated with tourism development has contributed to improving the quality of life of the people, at the same time, it brings a new perspective on the contribution of the lotus industry in various fields. Shaking off the mud and rising, the lotus becomes even more attached to the lives of the Dong Thap people.

Paintings made from dried lotus leaves by artist Bay Nghia from Dong Thap are now present in many countries around the world such as France, Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Taiwan (China)… Artist Bay Nghia is always meticulous, forming the soul for each painting from dried lotus leaves with the hope that through these paintings, many people will know about the land of the Pink Lotus.

Mr Ngo Chi Cong, Director of Khoi Minh Thanh Cong Production, Trade and Service Company Limited in Cao Lanh City said: that with the desire to "Bring lotus ponds to the global scenes", he has gradually brought quality products made from lotus to conquer the world.

Starting as familiar lotus flowers and lotus leaves, they have now become popular and unique products with distinct Vietnamese characteristics. The idea of "Bringing lotus ponds around the world" will certainly gradually become a reality through the introduction of lotus products in many countries. There are many other products made from lotus that have been exported, contributing to bringing economic value, improving people's income and at the same time promoting the lotus image of Dong Thap province.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said that Dong Thap lotus does not stop at economic value but is broader and deeper than cultural, emotional, and intangible values to serve as a foundation for tangible values (economic values). According to the Minister, if managers, businesses, and farmers know how to continue writing the "lotus dream" in a deeper way, looking at the tangible values of lotus, other values for the lotus industry will be created.