09,05,2026 7 views
In autumn, thousands of acres of lotus root ponds in various parts of Hubei welcome the harvest season. As a well-known hometown of lotus root in China, many places in Hubei, such as Honghu, Caidian, and Jiayu, have mature lotus root planting industries. For a long time, the sales of lotus root have mainly relied on fresh lotus root direct sales, with a short industrial chain and low added value. Nowadays, relying on the upgrading of mechanization and intelligent deep processing technology, the lotus root industry in Hubei has broken through the limitations of seasons and categories, achieving a magnificent transformation from "selling fresh lotus roots" to "selling products and brands", transforming small lotus roots in water towns into a large industry that enriches the people.
Mechanized deep processing has extended the lotus root industry chain and enhanced product value. In September 2025, Liangzhilong Ouyuan Industrial Park in Wuhan Changjiang New Area was officially put into operation. The park has a total investment of over 200 million yuan, covers an area of 120 acres, has 6 intelligent production lines, and an annual processing capacity of up to 100000 tons, making up for the shortage of deep processing capacity of lotus roots in Hubei.
Entering the intelligent production workshop of the industrial park, the entire process of mechanized operation is efficient and orderly, greatly reducing manual dependence and achieving refined processing. After simple manual cleaning, fresh lotus roots are sent to the processing area by an automated conveyor line. The precision cutting equipment can uniformly cut the lotus roots into standard sizes, and then remove the surface starch through three rounds of bubble cleaning to lock in the crispy and tender taste of the lotus roots. Relying on intelligent color selection equipment, the processing of raw materials achieves precise diversion. The complete lotus roots enter the finished product production line, while the finely divided lotus roots are used to make lotus root balls, completely eliminating raw material waste and achieving maximum resource utilization. Subsequent processes such as color protection, draining, coating, and frying are all completed by mechanical automation, requiring only a small number of workers to be on duty on a single production line, greatly improving production efficiency and product standardization.
Mechanized deep processing allows lotus roots to break free from single life fresh forms and unlock a diverse product matrix. Relying on intelligent production lines, fresh lotus roots can be processed into hundreds of categories such as crispy lotus root strips, pearl lotus root balls, steamed lotus roots, pickled lotus roots, lotus root powder, etc., covering multiple tracks such as fresh clean vegetables, pre made dishes, leisure snacks, specialty drinks, etc., fully meeting the needs of mass consumption. Compared to traditional fresh lotus root sales, deeply processed products have a longer shelf life, a wider audience, and higher added value, completely breaking down the seasonal barriers of lotus root production and sales.
With standardized production, clean processing procedures, and stable product quality, Hubei lotus root products have gained recognition in both domestic and international markets. Many overseas merchants have deepened their cooperation, helping Hubei lotus root continue to deepen its cultivation in the ASEAN, European, and American markets.
At present, the lotus root industry in Hubei has formed a full chain technology system of "breeding of good varieties, ecological planting, mechanical harvesting, intelligent processing, and comprehensive sales". From the empowerment of high-quality seeds and standardized planting in Honghu to the development of intelligent deep processing clusters in Wuhan, Hubei continues to fill the gaps in the lotus root industry and promote the transformation of the industry from scale expansion to quality upgrading and value leap. In the future, with the continuous iteration of deep processing technology and the continuous improvement of industrial clusters, the small lotus root will continue to release its benefits for the people and become a shining benchmark for the high-quality development of Hubei's characteristic modern agriculture.
