Suijiang Konjac

Suijiang Konjac

　　Suijiang konjac is a specialty of Suijiang County in Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. The cultivation of konjac has a long history in Suijiang, with farmers in the mid-mountain and alpine regions possessing rich experience, and most of the arable land in Suijiang is suitable for growing konjac.

　　The cultivation of konjac has a long history in Suijiang, and farmers in the mid-mountain and alpine regions have extensive experience. In recent years, efforts to boost farmers’ income through konjac cultivation have been intensified, achieving significant economic and social benefits across the county.

　　Most of the arable land in Suijiang is suitable for growing konjac. Since the 11th Five-Year Plan period, the county government has prioritized konjac as a key industry for increasing farmers’ prosperity. In 2012, the county agriculture bureau organized on-site training sessions on standardized raised-bed konjac cultivation in Tongchang Village of Zhongcheng Town, Qingshui and Guankou Villages of Banli Township, and Sandu Village of Huiyi Town. These sessions focused on konjac seed production to improve per-unit yield and demonstrated standardized raised-bed intercropping of konjac and corn, using these model plots to drive increased production and income from konjac across the county.

　　Through the hard work of officials and local farmers, the county planted 20,300 mu of konjac in 2012, including 14,520 mu of white konjac and 5,780 mu of purple konjac. The crops are growing well, with a bountiful harvest expected. The total output value of konjac cultivation in 2012 reached 36 million yuan.