Images of trucks transporting lotus stems are part of the supply chain that brings this specialty from the fields to consumers’ dining tables. Few people realize the arduous journey behind those fresh, delicious bundles of lotus stems, involving both farmers and traders. This article will reveal the untold stories of this journey, from the challenging harvesting process to transportation by truck to the city.
Farmers are submerged in mud harvesting lotus stems
Harvesting lotus stems is a labor-intensive and experience-driven job. Farmers have to immerse themselves in muddy water for hours, carefully searching and hooking each lotus stem. They must distinguish between young and old stems while being skillful enough to avoid bruising the product. This job is not only strenuous but also poses health risks due to exposure to polluted mud and the danger of insect and leech bites.
After harvesting, lotus stems are gathered at collection points along canals, waiting for traders to purchase them. Muddy roads make it difficult for trucks to access the fields, so traders often use motorboats to transport lotus stems from the fields to the main roads. Here, the lotus stems are packaged and loaded onto trucks for transportation to consuming provinces and cities, mainly Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai.
Transporting lotus stems by truck requires speed to ensure the freshness of the product. Lotus stems are a type of agricultural product that is easily bruised and spoiled, so they need to be carefully preserved during transportation. Images of trucks loaded with lotus stems rolling down the road are evidence of the efforts of farmers and traders in bringing this specialty to consumers. Each truckload not only carries lotus stems but also the sweat and hopes of those who produce them.
From peaceful rural areas, lotus stems are transported by trucks to wholesale markets, then distributed to retail markets and restaurants. The price of lotus stems increases significantly by the time they reach consumers due to multiple intermediaries. The price difference between production and consumption locations raises many questions about farmers’ profits and transparency in the supply chain.
In conclusion, images of trucks transporting lotus stems are a crucial link in the journey of bringing this product from the fields to the dining table. Behind that image are stories of farmers’ hardships, traders’ agility, and questions about the value of agricultural products. It is hoped that, in the future, there will be more solutions to support farmers in increasing their income and reducing price disparities in the lotus stem supply chain.
