Honeysuckle scattered all over the mountains and fields emits a tempting aroma. In recent days, 300 mu (20 hectares) of honeysuckle in Yuemaka Village, Changle Township, Huayuan County has enjoyed a good harvest, ushering in the busiest picking season of the year.
Early in the morning, farmers were picking honeysuckle flowers with the joy of harvest on their faces.
Wu Jianjun, a 47-year-old grower, has been growing honeysuckle in Yuemaka Village for 13 years. 13 years ago, he learnt about the medicinal and economic value of honeysuckle when he returned home after working outside his hometown for years, so he continued to study the planting technology of honeysuckle, actively participated in various agricultural trainings and drove the surrounding villagers to grow honeysuckle together.
“Our workers can pick about 40 kg a day per person on average,” Wu Jianjun said.
Honeysuckle is also known as lonicera. Its flowers, stems and leaves can be used as medicine, with effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and pain, and antiviral property. Whenever there is a bumper crop of honeysuckle, buyers will gather here to purchase it. They will sort, box and transport it to all over the country.
“We will continue to increase support to the honeysuckle planting industry in order to improve its quality and broaden sales channels. At the same time, we will also explore the diversified utilization of honeysuckle, such as developing honeysuckle tea and honeysuckle essential oil, to further improve the value of the honeysuckle industry. We believe that the honeysuckle industry will help revitalize the countryside,” Tan Lei, village secretary of Yuemaka, expressed confidently.
