The Mekong Delta province of Đồng Tháp is focusing on developing its lotus industry's value chain to be more compatible with the circular economy and green growth. – VNS/VNA Photo

ĐỒNG THÁP — The Mekong Delta province of Đồng Tháp is focusing on developing its lotus industry's value chain to be more compatible with the circular economy and green growth.

The province's lotus farming accounts for up to 1,800 hectares, with total annual production value of the lotus industry reaching over VNĐ1.9 trillion (US$74 million)

According to the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, sustainable and high-quality cultivation areas include the districts of Tháp Mười, Cao Lãnh, Thanh Bình, Tân Hồng and Tam Nông.

The province has more than 100 products made from lotus in various fields such as food, cosmetics, textiles and household items.

Among these, 59 products have been recognised under the national ‘One Commune – One Product’ programme, achieving three-star to four-star ratings.

Deputy chairman of Đồng Tháp Provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Phước Thiện said that the provincial authorities and related parties are supporting the development of deep processing industries for new lotus products, applying technology and scientific research to enhance the lotus value chain.

The province is researching nature-based farming solutions to protect ecosystems, adapt to climate change and reduce pesticide use.

In addition, they plan to establish a database for raw lotus materials and products this year.

The province is developing and promoting lotus tourism as an experiential agricultural tourism model, aiming for a multifunctional business approach, sustainable tourism development, and contributing to the strengthening and promotion of the local brand.

Thiện said that Đồng Tháp's lotus value chain has made significant progress.

The province hosts numerous businesses producing innovative high-tech lotus products, including activated carbon from lotus pods, bioplastics from lotus stem fibres, and lotus essential oils and extracts.

These initiatives significantly enhance the added value of the entire lotus value chain, he added.

However, the province needs to focus more on increasing added value and deeply processing quality products, as well as diversifying products to meet the demands of domestic and international markets, he added.

Additionally, Đồng Tháp province is also continuing to implement the lotus industry development model and programme based on a value chain linked to the circular economy and green growth.

This includes the "Building and perfecting a 50-hectare model of organic lotus farming, applying mechanisation and 4.0 technology linked with consumption" model and the "Safe Lotus Cultivation Technical Process in Đồng Tháp Province."

They are also gathering information on technical economics, production costs and identifying lotus cultivation areas.

According to Đồng Tháp's lotus industry development plan by 2025, the concentrated lotus cultivation area will reach 1,400 hectares, with a yield of 1,148 tons.

Additionally, there are plans to expand the production of specialised lotus varieties for decorative purposes. — VNS