Lotus demonstration base achieves ecological, economic, and social benefits

Lotuses reach their full splendor among the leaves. [Photo by Zhang Minmin for chinadaily.com.cn]

Shandong Chunjiang Agricultural Development Co Ltd is the first company in Zhucheng to research and promote the cultivation of high-yield organic shallow water lotuses and the high-density recirculating aquaculture of freshwater fish. In 2011, the company established a 300-mu (about 20 hectares) demonstration base for lotus cultivation and freshwater industrial aquaculture.

The company has introduced ornamental varieties such as Jiupin Fragrant Lotus and Peony Lotus, and is developing recreational fisheries. By integrating lotus production, aquaculture, and eco-tourism, it aims to establish one of the largest demonstration bases in the country that combines cultivation, sightseeing, and tourism. The goal is to achieve benefits in three areas - production efficiency, economy, and society.

 An aerial view of the demonstration base for lotus cultivation. [Photo by Zhang Minmin for chinadaily.com.cn]

The company promotes the "Xuelian" lotus root variety and has registered a series of lotus-related trademarks, including "Ruiting Xiuhe", "Kecailian", and "Shuolian". 

The products are crisp and residue-free when eaten raw, comparable to the quality of Yali pears. Additionally, the company has developed a model for co-cultivating loaches with lotus. The abundant plankton in the ponds feeds the loaches, whose waste, in turn, fertilizes the soil and enhances lotus growth, thereby achieving true organic cultivation. (Edited by Huang Junyao)