Harvest season brings untold benefits to lotus farmers

Lotus farmers holding lotus roots pose for a photo in Xinhoutuqiao village, Ningbo's Haishu district. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Clad in his work jumpsuit, Zhu Weidong toils tirelessly, wading through layers of lotus leaves in search of the lotus roots buried beneath the mud.

In Xinhoutuqiao village, Ningbo's Haishu district, the start of the harvest season has made the once tranquil 60-mu (4 hectares) lotus field a hive of activity.

Zhu and his companions pluck each lotus root with utmost care, preventing mud and water from entering the root holes, as their quality hinges on such meticulous efforts.

Once retrieved, they swiftly cleanse the lotus roots, utilizing high-pressure water guns that leave them glistening white.

The harvest, which will last until the eve of next year's Qingming Festival, yields an impressive 1,500 kilograms per mu. With the current market value ranging from 16 ($2.23) to 18 yuan per kilogram, the economic rewards are substantial.

Located in Jishigang town, Xinhoutuqiao village has leveraged its abundant water resources and strategic location to become a veritable oasis for water crop cultivation. The result is a flourishing production center for both lotus roots and seeds.

Yet, the advantages do not end with the bountiful harvest. During the enchanting blossoming season, the village transforms into an irresistible paradise, drawing tourists from far and wide eager to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing beauty of the lotus flowers. Their presence not only adds to the village's charm but also provides an additional source of income for the local lotus farmers.