Ybian Walnuts

Ybian Walnuts

　　Walnuts are the fruit of the Juglans plant in the Juglandaceae family, also known as Juglans, Cha Tao, or Wan Sui Zi, among other names. They have a sweet taste and warm nature. Walnuts are believed to nourish kidney function and consolidate essence, moisten the lungs and calm wheezing, lubricate the intestines and relieve constipation, resist aging, and promote longevity.

　　Ybian County is rich in wild iron walnuts. In the past, due to their inconvenience for direct consumption, apart from being purchased in small quantities by outside traders or used by local farmers themselves, most were discarded as waste. The Xinping Grain Station in Ybian County adapted to local conditions, leveraged its strengths while avoiding weaknesses, and shifted its mindset in the context of significantly reduced grain purchasing, sales, and storage volumes. It explored new income channels by developing an iron walnut oil processing project, achieving remarkable results. In 2002, with strong support from the Panzhihua City and Ybian County Grain Bureaus, the station purchased over 130 tons of dried iron walnuts, produced 13 tons of iron walnut oil, increased farmers' income by more than 130,000 yuan, achieved sales revenue of over 400,000 yuan, and realized a net profit of over 80,000 yuan. In 2003, the station invested another 300,000-plus yuan in refining equipment, planning to purchase 1,500 tons of dried iron walnuts, produce 150 tons of iron walnut oil, increase farmers’ income by 1.5 million yuan, achieve sales revenue of over 4.5 million yuan, and realize a net profit of 900,000 yuan.