Gan Zhenhua, a 51-year-old resident of Zhangshu Township, Xiangyin County, Hunan Province, China, has emerged as a prominent figure in the local pepper industry. As the head of Hunan Zhongyuan Ecological Agriculture Technology Development Co., Ltd., he is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to cultivate the local pepper industry.
Gan is optimistic about this year’s pepper sales, with a goal of doubling the company’s revenue through intensified efforts. The company, in collaboration with the local cooperative, currently oversees a joint pepper planting area of 560 mu, with an estimated annual output value of approximately 30 million yuan.
Zhangshugang peppers, a designated Agro-product Geographical Indication, boast a centuries-old cultivation history in the region. Renowned for their intense aroma and delectable taste, this distinct variety of pepper has emerged as the cornerstone industry and emblem of prosperity for the local area.
Four years ago, Gan transitioned from an urban white-collar profession to a new farmer, enticed by the potential of the local pepper industry. Although he initially lacked knowledge about breeding seedlings and sorting peppers, his determination to learn from seasoned farmers has since propelled him to the status of a seasoned farmer.
Gan has not only embraced traditional farming methods but has also introduced state-of-the-art agricultural techniques to the region. By harnessing technologies such as frequency vibrating insecticidal lamps, sticky trap boards, and pheromone traps, he has revolutionised his company’s production base into a contemporary ecological agricultural park, resulting in enhanced efficiency and pepper quality.
In addition to modernising production practices, Gan has invested in constructing specialised greenhouses equipped with sunshade curtains on the roof to regulate temperature.
Moreover, Gan has prioritised diversifying the sales channels for Zhangshugang peppers. Through collaboration with chain restaurants, he has forged partnerships resulting in a peak daily supply of 250 kilograms of peppers.
As a consequence of Gan’s efforts and the growth of the pepper industry, he has garnered renown within the local community. He has also strived to improve the livelihoods of those around him by offering technical support and sales guarantees to over 100 households participating in pepper production.
Gan’s initiatives have had a tangible impact on local farmers such as Shao Jianlong, whose annual income has significantly increased as a result of the improved quality and price of the peppers.
Furthermore, Gan’s work has garnered national recognition. In 2022, Zhangshugang pepper seeds were transported aboard the Shenzhou-14 manned spacecraft for space-induced mutation breeding. This research is geared towards enhancing the unique qualities of Zhangshugang peppers, such as high yield, disease resistance, and increased vitamin content.
This year, the standardised planting area of Zhangshugang peppers has reached 11,800 mu, and the total output value of the entire industry chain is anticipated to surpass 500 million yuan. These developments are expected to generate employment for around 12,000 individuals throughout the planting, transportation, processing, and sales processes.