A lotus pond in Longzheng village, Hai'an, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Longzheng village in Hai'an's Longzheng sub-district is amid its lotus root harvest season, as villagers take advantage of the sunny weather to collect fresh crops. According to Wan Min, the Party secretary, the village's lotus ponds have a yield exceeding 1250 kilograms per mu (667 square meters). Each mu brings in a net income of 5,000 to 6,000 yuan ($704 to $845).

Surrounded by rivers and blessed with sandy soil, Longzheng village is ideally suited for lotus root farming. The village's leadership has focused on introducing high-quality varieties, and the lotus root base, spanning 13.3 hectares, supplies up to 500 kilograms of fresh lotus root daily to the local market.

The growing lotus industry has significantly benefited local villagers by creating about 20 jobs during peak seasons. The picturesque lotus ponds have also become a tourist attraction, helping to promote rural tourism and contributing to the village's development.

To further enhance the industry, the village regularly holds technical training sessions led by base manager Yu Jingchao, who shares insights on planting, fertilization, and pest control. Yu expressed gratitude for the village's support and is exploring new agro-tourism opportunities, including a mixed farming model of lotus roots and fish to create a sustainable, mutually beneficial system.