(Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 27th) Agriculture is one of the main pillars of Cambodia’s national economy. Compared to traditional crops like rice, lotus root has a high added value and is considered an alternative source of income by many farmers. The photo shows farmers busy harvesting lotus roots in the core lotus-producing area of Kandal province, located in the south near the capital Phnom Penh.
Local farmers usually harvest lotus roots from January to April each year, supplying the market with fresh lotus seeds, which are sold at prices ranging from 4,000 riel to 8,000 riel per kilogram (about 1.27 SGD to 2.55 SGD).
In addition to being eaten, lotus roots can also be processed into other products. Among them, lotus root fiber or lotus flower fiber is used to make rare and luxurious textiles. This natural fiber product is known as one of the world's rarest fabrics.