Tan Yongqin, a major grower in Wuliping Village, said, “In February of this year, Lei Qiwang and I planted 30 mu (2 hectares) of Nanbanlan’gen on the barren land in the village. We encountered some difficulties in planting this traditional Chinese herb, but received strong support from the resident working team and the local government. Currently, they are growing well, and our partners have also come to the site for purchasing. It is expected that the production per mu (0.067 hectares) will reach 2,500 kilograms.”
It can also be processed into a natural plant dye indigo. Branches and leaves can be harvested one to two times a year, and roots and stems can be harvested in the third year.
The unique geographical environment and climate on Badou Mountain in Wuliping Village endow Nanbanlan’gen with excellent quality.
The head of Xiangxi Lade Shijie Batik Company, the assistance team of SinoHydro Engineering Bureau 8 Co., Ltd. and large growers came to the base to investigate and discuss the industrial development for the coming year.
Yao Liuju, chairman of the company, said, “We mainly extract indigo paste from the parts above the root of Nanbanlan’gen, which can also be used as medicine. Three years later, when the root and stem parts shrink and age, we can dig the roots and slice them.”
Established in October 2015, the company is an intangible cultural heritage training center that integrates batik, tie dying experience, processing and sales. Through the operation model of “company plus base plus farmer plus e-commerce”, it has driven villagers in Xiangxi to develop the batik industry such as Nanbanlan’gen, and helped left-behind people increase income at their doorstep.
By cooperating with the assistance team, the company not only sparked the enthusiasm of local residents to plant Nanbanlan’gen in high-altitude areas, but also reduced the planting risks, enhancing farmers’ confidence in developing this industry.
Chinese source: hunantoday
