Recently, Fang Guankun, a prominent peony farmer from Huma County in the Greater Khingan Mountains, has been extremely busy. After several years of dedicated cultivation, his over 300 acres of white peonies have yielded an impressive harvest of more than 600 tons, bringing in over 6.2 million yuan in sales and a net income exceeding 1.5 million yuan. He expressed his excitement, stating, “Huma County has great mountains and pure water, which makes the quality of the peonies exceptional. The profits from this harvest make me increasingly optimistic about herbal medicine cultivation. Next year, I plan not only to expand my own planting but also to involve my friends and family in the endeavor.”
Huma County is situated on the southwest bank of the upper Heilong River, adjacent to Russia’s Amur Oblast and is the county in Heilongjiang province with the longest border with Russia.
In recent years, Huma County has capitalized on its advantageous ecological environment and rich wild herbal resources to vigorously develop new GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. This initiative has breathed new life into the industry, shaping a unique development model that combines flower appreciation, medicinal sales, and agritourism. Driven by the “flower economy,” the “Cold Land Dragon Medicine” industry is accelerating rural revitalization in this border town.
Looking ahead to 2024, the area dedicated to Chinese medicinal herb cultivation in Huma County is expected to reach 57,000 acres, marking a 24% increase from 2023. The county aims to expand this area to 60,000 acres by 2025, with the herbal industry projected to generate a value of 70 million yuan, enhancing the reputation of the “Cold Land Dragon Medicine” brand even further.
