Hanoi's Lotus Root Harvest Season

Workers wade through the pond, using high-pressure pumps to dislodge the lotus roots. Once freed from the mud, the roots are placed in large trays, pulled ashore, weighed, and loaded onto trucks for distribution. Mr. Vuong Dac Loc, owner of this 10-hectare lotus pond in Hanoi, transformed a deserted field into a thriving agricultural enterprise. The previously abandoned land proved ideal for fresh fruit and agriculture products, eliminating the need for extensive detoxification. Mr. Loc cultivates eight lotus varieties, focusing on both flowers and tubers. Despite initial setbacks from a storm, the resilient lotus plants now yield approximately one ton of lotus root daily. The fresh mango-colored tubers are sold wholesale and retail. Organic lotus farming, while relatively easy, presents challenges like thrips and anthracnose, requiring specialized bio-products and drone technology for effective treatment. Mr. Loc utilizes vermicompost from local vermicelli production as fertilizer. He is also experimenting with value-added products like dried lotus root slices and lotus starch, touted for its cooling properties and potential health benefits. His vision includes a closed-loop system encompassing production, processing, and tourism, with a focus on a unique lotus vermicelli product.