Lotus eco-farming opens new pathways for tourism

In recent years, in areas formerly part of Tran Yen District in Yen Bai Province, such as Van Hoi, Viet Hong and Viet Thanh, many households have proactively introduced lotus cultivation in ponds and wetlands, aiming to combine income generation with community-based tourism.

However, these efforts have largely been spontaneous, with fragmented and small-scale production. In addition, most lotus varieties have been selected based on farmers’ experience rather than scientific assessment of ecological suitability, resulting in inconsistent yields and product quality, and limited economic efficiency.

In response to this situation, a more structured and science-based approach has been introduced to better utilize underused ponds, wetlands, and abandoned low-lying fields. In Quy Mong, Viet Hong and Tran Yen communes in Lao Cai Province, such areas are now being developed into ecological lotus cultivation zones. The introduction of new lotus varieties for pilot cultivation not only addresses land-use efficiency but also opens up new opportunities for multi-value agricultural development linked to eco-tourism in the near future.

Recently, the Research and Development Center for Flowers and Ornamental Plants, under the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, in coordination with local authorities, launched a pilot model covering four hectares. Quy Mong accounts for two hectares, while Tran Yen and Viet Hong each contribute one hectare. The selected lotus varieties demonstrate strong growth potential and adaptability to low-lying, alluvial soils with abundant water resources.

According to Associate Professor Dang Van Dong, Deputy Director of the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, the pilot aims to evaluate adaptability, productivity, quality and commercial potential. Based on the results, suitable varieties will be recommended for wider replication, linked to the development of concentrated production areas and eco-tourism.

A key strength of the model lies not only in rehabilitating underutilized land but also in its systematic approach, replacing the previous trial-and-error method of variety selection. Seven new lotus varieties are being tested, including Quan Am, Mat Bang, Super, Son Moi, Bach Diep, Anh Hong and Van Dai.

This diversity is designed to create a comprehensive value chain. Flower-producing lotus varieties play a central role in landscape creation, serving tourism and ornamental demand. Meanwhile, seed- and stem-producing varieties are being developed as raw materials for high-value food processing and as fresh produce favored by the market.

In addition, tuber-producing lotus varieties are included to create distinctive commercial products with higher added value, while lotus leaves are utilized for culinary, artistic and traditional medicine purposes. This integrated approach diversifies outputs, reduces dependence on a single revenue stream, and maximizes income per unit of land.

To transform low-efficiency wetlands into productive lotus fields, the research center has provided certified seedlings, agricultural inputs and crop protection products. Technical staff work directly with farmers in the field, offering guidance on cultivation and care, and closely monitoring each stage of plant growth.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga, Chairwoman of the Farmers’ Association in Tran Yen Commune, said the model not only converts underperforming land into higher-value production but also enhances the landscape, attracting tourists. It aligns well with local natural conditions and development strategies that combine agriculture with services. In participating villages, farmers have actively prepared land, cleared weeds, improved soil conditions and controlled disease to ensure healthy crop development.

Nguyen Van Huan, a farmer cultivating more than one hectare of lotus in Minh Phu Village, Viet Hong Commune, said his family is encouraged by the support in both seedlings and technical training. Lotus is easy to grow and well suited to previously abandoned low-lying fields. If successful, it can generate income not only from flowers, leaves and seeds, but also from tourism activities such as sightseeing and photography.

Lotus plants grow rapidly, typically flowering within one and a half to two months after planting. This summer, formerly waterlogged ponds and fields are expected to transform into expansive green landscapes dotted with blooming lotus flowers. The resulting scenery is likely to become a new attraction for visitors. The ecological lotus model is expected to serve as a catalyst for improving local livelihoods while gradually unlocking tourism potential in challenging areas.