Changshun Mashi Oil Walnut

Changshun Mashi Oil Walnut

　　Changshun County has consistently prioritized the development of the walnut industry as a key sector for adjusting agricultural structure, strengthening the rural economy, and increasing farmers' incomes. Through measures such as demonstration guidance, exemplary leadership, technological support, and incentive-driven approaches, the county has made every effort to expand and strengthen the walnut industry. Currently, the county has developed 103,000 mu (approximately 17,000 acres) of walnut plantations, with over 2.31 million walnut trees. Annual production has reached 880,000 kilograms, generating an output value of 35.2 million yuan, and increasing per capita income by 136.5 yuan.

　　In recent years, in line with the requirements of industrialized development and in combination with the “185” agricultural industrial restructuring plan, Changshun County has carried out scientific planning, rational layout, intensive management, and large-scale advancement. Focusing on the core concept of “mountainous three-dimensional agriculture featuring one leading industry, multiple product integration, short-term crops supporting long-term ones, and mutual complementarity,” the county has significantly expanded and strengthened the walnut industry, transforming it from scattered planting to large-scale contiguous cultivation. First, a “10,000-mu Mashi Walnut” planting demonstration project has been implemented along roadsides and within areas with a slope of 25 degrees. Second, the development of the walnut industry has been integrated with projects such as science and technology poverty alleviation, comprehensive agricultural development, returning farmland to forests, and natural forest conservation. Project funds have been pooled together, with increased investment aimed at cultivating a group of high-yield, economically efficient, and highly influential walnut-growing professional villages, specialized households, and walnut bases. This promotes large-scale, high-standard, and high-level industry development, delivering tangible benefits to the local population.

　　In September 2011, after Changshun Mashi Oil Walnut won the Silver Award in the “First China Walnut Festival Nut and Processed Product Evaluation Competition” held in Xingtai City, Hebei Province, the Mashi Oil Walnut quickly gained popularity and saw a surge in demand. Its price rose from 15 yuan per jin to the current 25–30 yuan per jin, representing an increase of nearly 40%. With government guidance and market-driven momentum, the number of walnut growers in the county has grown from just over 70 households in 2002 to 10,824 households today. Fourteen walnut professional cooperatives have also been established, registering varieties including Xiaomi Walnut, Mazhi Oil Walnut, Chuan Walnut, as well as Yunxin 14, Yunxin 16, Yunxin 8034, Yunxin 8064, and Xiangling Walnuts. Local farmers have shifted from “being asked to plant” to “wanting to plant,” transitioning from grain farmers to fruit growers. The county has also deployed walnut industry poverty alleviation work teams, established “Group Management Committees,” and set up “Industry Party Branches,” forming a framework where party members serve as the backbone and farmers as the main participants. This approach has changed the past practice of scattered planting along field edges or around homes, accelerating the shift toward large-scale contiguous walnut cultivation.

　　It is reported that in 2012, Changshun County added 63,000 mu (approximately 10,400 acres) of new walnut plantations, with 1.38 million new walnut trees, bringing the cumulative total to 103,000 mu. It is expected that by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan period, walnut plantations will expand to 200,000 mu, with an average annual increase of 50,000 mu. By the time the plantations reach full production, the county’s per capita income is projected to increase by more than 1,000 yuan.