Currently, Hung Yen province has over 100 hectares of lotus cultivation, mainly concentrated in Hung Yen city and the districts of An Thi, Kim Dong, Phu Cu, Khoai Chau, etc. With its easy cultivation and care, and suitability to the local soil conditions, lotus is increasingly being chosen by farmers to convert less productive rice land. A variety of lotus varieties are grown, including pink lotus for seeds, Japanese lotus for tubers, and several imported varieties for flowers, contributing to the formation of specialized lotus cultivation areas that bring high economic value.

Lotus Seed Processing in Phuong Nam Commune (Hung Yen City)

The lotus plant is not only a culturally significant plant, but it also has the potential for comprehensive exploitation. From its seeds, tubers, stems, flowers, leaves, and even the lotus heart, all can be used for food, medicine, or processed into specialty products. During each lotus blooming season, people not only harvest the flowers and seeds but also make maximum use of each part to create product lines for consumption and gifts. Lotus cultivation also contributes to soil improvement, water purification, ecological landscape creation, and promotes agricultural tourism.

Along with the expansion of raw material areas, many establishments and businesses in Hung Yen have recently invested in the deep processing of lotus-based products. A prime example in the processing sector is Vinagri Vietnam Agricultural Products Production, Trade and Export Company Limited (Khoai Chau), which has invested billions of VND to build factories and equip them with modern machinery to process longan wrapped in lotus seeds – a delicate combination of the sweet, chewy taste of longan and the nutty, crunchy texture of lotus seeds. In addition, the company also produces crispy and crunchy lotus seed products, both of which have been awarded OCOP 3-star certification. The company's dried longan wrapped in lotus seeds has been recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as meeting OCOP 4-star standards. Each year, the company produces approximately 10-12 tons of dried longan wrapped in lotus seeds, crispy lotus seeds, and crispy fresh lotus seeds. With eye-catching packaging, convenient storage, and a selling price of up to 600,000 VND/kg for dried longan wrapped in lotus seeds and over 200,000 VND/kg for crispy lotus seeds – 2-3 times higher than traditional dried longan – the product has not only conquered the domestic market but also has export potential.

Some typical products processed from Hung Yen lotus seeds

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang (Hung Yen city) said: Currently, her production and business facility has 4 lotus-based products: lotus seeds, dried lotus seeds, lotus heart tea, and longan wrapped in lotus. Among them, longan wrapped in lotus was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product in 2022. The products are packaged in gift sets and sell very well. Each year, the facility consumes about 2 tons of Hung Yen lotus seeds.

Not only present at OCOP (One Commune One Product) stalls within the province, lotus products from Hung Yen are gradually establishing their position on e-commerce platforms. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy, from Hung Dao commune (Tien Lu district), the owner of an online business, said: "Longan wrapped in lotus is the best-selling product in my shop. Customers buy it as gifts or for long-term use; the product is delicious, easy to preserve, and has a strong taste of home."

Many lotus products from Hung Yen have been recognized with 3-star and 4-star OCOP ratings and are highly appreciated by consumers.

In 2023, the Intellectual Property Office (Ministry of Science and Technology) granted a trademark registration certificate for "Hung Yen Lotus". Accordingly, 8 lotus products from Hung Yen, belonging to 3 main groups, are protected: tea group (lotus heart tea, lotus tea), processed group (dried lotus seeds, ready-to-eat dried lotus seeds, lotus jam), and fresh group (fresh lotus root, fresh lotus seeds, fresh lotus flowers). The establishment and protection of this trademark not only affirms the value of local agricultural products but also opens up great opportunities for promotion and market expansion.

According to information from the Rural Development Sub-Department (Department of Agriculture and Environment), the province currently has 15 lotus-based products recognized as meeting OCOP standards from 3 to 4 stars. To further enhance the value and sustainably develop the "Hung Yen Lotus" brand, in the coming time, relevant departments, agencies, and local authorities will strengthen support for brand building associated with geographical indication protection; review and replan concentrated lotus growing areas; and enhance the promotion and marketing of lotus products through various forms such as: trade promotion for OCOP products from 3 stars and above, organizing fairs and exhibitions to introduce OCOP products, etc.

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Nguồn trích dẫn: baohungyen.vn