The Cosmic Lotus: Transforming Prosperity in Guangchang County, China
The Guangchang County in east China’s Jiangxi Province is bustling with activity as customers flock to the white lotus distribution center in early spring to choose from piles of white lotus seeds.
Lotus cultivation has a long history in Guangchang, dating back to the Tang Dynasty and flourishing on an industrial scale since the Qing Dynasty. Today, the county has become a hub for white lotus trade, with thousands of agricultural brokers involved in the transportation and sale of seeds. The daily trade volume of white lotus seeds here averages around 50 thousand kilograms, making it a key distribution and pricing center for aquatic plant seeds in China.
The success of Guangchang’s white lotus industry can be attributed to the innovative approach taken by the Guangchang White Lotus Research Institute. Established in 1984, the institute embarked on a mission to develop new varieties of lotus seeds. In 1994, researchers sent 442 lotus seeds into space for cosmic mutation, resulting in the creation of a new variety called “Cosmic Lotus No. 36” with a significantly higher yield of 120 kilograms per mu.
The introduction of Cosmic Lotus No. 36 revolutionized lotus cultivation in Guangchang, inspiring farmers to adopt the new variety. Xie Changjun, a village head, planted the cosmic lotus on his land and witnessed an exceptional harvest, sparking widespread interest in the new variety across the city. In just a few years, the area planted with space lotus in Guangchang exceeded 100 thousand mu, leading to the spread of Cosmic Lotus No. 36 throughout China.
The success story of the Guangchang County’s white lotus industry serves as a testament to the power of innovation and scientific advancement in agriculture. With the introduction of cosmic lotus varieties, the county has not only increased its agricultural output but has also become a pioneer in lotus cultivation in China.
As customers continue to flock to the white lotus distribution center in Guangchang, the future looks bright for the county’s thriving lotus industry, driven by the magical seeds grown in space.
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This article is based on information from ORIENT news.
