Gongshan Cardamom

Gongshan Cardamom

　　Gongshan Cardamom is a specialty of Gongshan County in Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Cardamom is one of the major varieties of medicinal and edible Chinese herbs, with consumption mainly for culinary rather than medicinal purposes. It has a distinctive aroma, with a spicy and slightly bitter taste. Cardamom is a seasoning spice known for its uniquely rich and pungent flavor.

　　In recent years, Gongshan County has capitalized on its special circumstances and resource advantages, focusing on increasing farmers’ incomes by vigorously developing green ecological industries, with cardamom cultivation being given priority. The county has made cardamom a pillar industry for boosting rural income. After years of careful cultivation, the cardamom industry has become a leading sector in supporting farmers' livelihoods throughout the county, yielding significant results. By the end of 2011, the total planted area reached 98,000 mu, generating an economic value of 6.75 million yuan (based on production yield), with per capita income from cardamom amounting to 233 yuan — a 97% increase compared to the Tenth Five-Year Plan period. The cardamom industry has now become an important source of income growth for local farmers.

　　Puladi Township in Gongshan County is the main production area of Gongshan Cardamom. As of the end of 2013, the township had a total cardamom planting area of 45,000 mu, with 30,000 mu bearing fruit and 25,000 mu in full production. The per capita planting area exceeded 7 mu, and the total annual output reached 1,100 tons, generating a total economic income of 8.174 million yuan. The cardamom industry has become a primary source of income for the various ethnic groups in Puladi Township.