Ang Thong: Farmers in Ang Thong are turning to growing and selling lotus pods as an alternative source of income following a significant drop in rice prices, which have fallen to 6,000 baht per ton, causing substantial financial losses.

According to Thai News Agency, local farmers, unable to sustain themselves through rice farming alone, are now relying on lotus pod cultivation to generate income of 800-1,000 baht per day. Despite the financial hardships, many farmers are reluctant to abandon their traditional rice farming careers. Aunt Sudjai Petchrak, a 66-year-old farmer from Village No. 7, Pangiew Subdistrict, has adapted by cultivating lotus pods on over 40 rai of land. Each morning, she harvests ripe lotus pods and sells them along the Ang Thong-Pho Thong road, as well as fulfilling orders from local vendors.

Aunt Sudjai shared her experience, stating that she has been involved in farming since childhood. Previously, her 16-rai rice field yielded a good harvest, with prices reaching 10,000-10,700 baht per ton last year. However, with the current price drop to 6,000 baht per ton, she faces significant losses. Despite the challenges, her side business of growing and selling lotus pods provides essential supplementary income for her family.

Each day, Aunt Sudjai sells approximately 40-50 bunches of lotus seeds at 20 baht each, earning 800-1,000 baht. Although rice farming remains unprofitable, she continues the practice out of a lifelong commitment, supplementing her income with this additional venture.

In addition to their economic benefits, lotus seeds are cherished for their nutritional value, being rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as protein, minerals, and phosphorus. They are traditionally used for their health benefits, such as nourishing the brain and nerves, supporting kidney function, and treating chronic diarrhea and dysentery. Lotus seeds are also recognized for their potential to act as a blood tonic.