The purpose of this study is to propose development strategies to promote lotus industry in Muan-gun by setting up infrastructure lotus industry and marketing system in order to expand the market based on an analysis of lotus. For these purposes, this study reviews current situation of lotus industry and analyses production cost and profitability of lotus farms as well as foreign lotus markets.
The lotus in Korea is a perennial aquatic plant growing in various regions. Its production volume is highly concentrated in the main production areas, namely Muan, Boseong and Hampyeong in Jollanam-do for white lotus, and Daegu, Haman, Goryeong and Sangju in Gyeongsang-do for red lotus. As lotus grows more easily in sandy soil, the production is highly concentrated along the river side. The lack of professional techniques for harvest is another main reason for this concern.
The profit analysis of main production regions shows that revenue from lotus production was the highest in Daegu, followed by Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeollanam-do. In Daegu, the yield per area(10a) was high and revenue was twice as high as that of Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeollanam-do. The lotus produced in this area is sold at higher price due to its superior quality. The price of lotus which fluctuates sensitively according to the annual production, is relatively higher considering the lower production level nation wide.
The lotus is distributed mostly by large-scale purchasers. Only some are sold to general consumers unprocessed. The distribution channel of the unprocessed locally produced lotus is simple: it is sold to final consumer through wholesalers. In case of import, fresh/frozen or sliced and salted lotus roots are first distributed to wholesalers by importers then to final consumers.
In order to reduce the production cost and to improve productivity of the white lotus produced in Muan-gun, it is necessary to cut direct labor. The lotus is highly labor-consuming since it should be harvested manually from muddy soil. Also, considering that the quantity of production per day was smaller than Gyeongsang-do, automatization of harvest by adopting machines is recommended in order to reduce labor. Although the lotus may be produced throughout the year, the production is at its lowest during June and July. To meet this issue, it is required to adopt a new variety which enables changes in the production environment as well as to support and conduct research on the development of new varieties.
In order to enhance the competitiveness of the lotus processing industry, the need to promote the function of processing companies through stabilized raw material supplies based on contractual production between the industry and production farms should be reviewed. Currently, there are nine white lotus processing companies in Muan-gun, showing a potential increase in the added-value of lotus industry through diversified processed products. However, specialized production is essential since the distribution channel is not well organized. To face the rapidly changing local market, the expansion of distribution channel should be sought through stable production fundamentals and dynamic communications among the local government, production farms and processing companies.