Dong Thap lotus root is exported to Japan for the first time

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Vice President of Dong Thap Lotus Industry Association, said that this type of crop grown in the West can be grown all year round, with a yield of 5-7 tons per crop (4 months). According to this Association, the West has about 3,000 hectares of lotus cultivation. But most of it is grown for seeds, and only 200 hectares are grown for roots, quite a bit compared to demand.

"The advantage of Vietnamese lotus is that it can be grown all year round while China's Yunnan and Sichuan provinces can only grow one crop in the summer," Mr. Thang said, adding that the Japanese market needs about 100,000 tons of lotus roots each year, while China is two million tons.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Thien, Factory Director of Dai Viet Lotus Food Joint Stock Company - the exporter of lotus roots - said that to export to Japan officially, the business had two years of negotiations and sent samples many times.

"The Japanese market is very demanding; they require testing of soil, water, and air samples where lotus is grown and the processing process at the factory," Mr. Thien said. With IQF freezing technology alone, food can be preserved for two years, retains its natural color, and does not break the bond. On average, 30% of a ton of raw lotus root can be exported, while the rest is used to process products sold domestically. This year, Japanese partners are expected to import 8 more containers worth about VND 7 billion.

Dong Thap grows 1,800 hectares of lotus, yielding 5-7 tons per hectare. Lotus roots grown according to the process are sold for VND 20,000 per kilogram, with an estimated profit of VND 40-45 million per hectare for each crop.

Mr. Doan Thanh Binh, Chairman of Thap Muoi District People's Committee, said that the export of lotus shipments at this time recognized the great efforts of the government, businesses, and people of Dong Thap province in implementing production activities and exporting local agricultural products, creating conditions for Dong Thap lotus to penetrate other demanding markets in the world. This is the excitement and pride of Dong Thap lotus growers in general and Thap Muoi district in particular.