(On December 20, Wei Zhaohui, deputy secretary of the CPC Huaihua Municipal Committee and Acting Mayor, inspects the development of tea-oil camellia industry.The photo shows Wei Zhaohui investigating the cultivation of a newly developed variety of tea-oil camellia, the “De-you” series, in the industrial park of Zhongfang County. Photo / Wu Tao)
On December 20, Wei Zhaohui, deputy secretary of the CPC Huaihua Municipal Committee and Acting Mayor, conducted an inspection of tea-oil camellia (viz,. camellia oleifera) plantation bases and industrial park enterprises in Hecheng District, Zhongfang County and Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County to investigate the development of the tea-oil camellia industry. She emphasized that we must thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions on the development of the the tea-oil camellia industry, fully leverage the advantages of tea-oil camellia resources, bring technology into full play, and expand the chain of the industry, accelerating the high-quality development of the tea-oil camellia industry of Huaihua City.
The newly-developed tea-oil camellia at the “De-you” varieties base in Zhongfang County was cultivated by the research team led by Yuan Deyi from Central South University of Forestry and Technology. The variety of the camellia are characterized by large size, thin pericarp, quality oil, and high-yield of oil. During the inspection, Wei Zhaohui gained a detailed understanding of the cultivation of these newly-developed tea-oil camellia varieties. She encouraged the base to play an exemplary and leading role, vigorously promote the application of “improved varieties and advanced cultivation techniques”, and establish demonstration bases for tea-oil camellia seedlings and high-yield plantations. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of develop more other products related to tea-oil camellia industry catering to market demand, accelerating the realization of the value of eco-friendly produce. At the tea-oil camellia plantation base in Niejia Village, Luyang Town, the lush and thriving tea-oil camellia trees presented a promising sight. After gaining a detailed understanding of the transformation of low-yield plantations and the management of newly established forests, Wei Zhaohui pointed out that it is of necessity to promote the integrated development of agriculture, forestry, culture, and tourism to extend the chain of tea-oil camellia industry, and improve the mechanisms that link farmers’ interests to the industry. These efforts will effectively drive more villagers to increase their income and achieve prosperity.
Huaihua Shengyuan Oils Co., Ltd. specializes in the processing and utilization of tea seed oil and the by-products from tea-oil extracted seed cakes, and the first tea saponin extraction production line in the company was built in Huaihua, with an annual capacity of 2,500 tons. Hunan Yangjiajiang Tea Oil Co., Ltd. is primarily engaged in tea oil production and processing, while also manufacturing equipment such as tea-oil camellia shelling machines and drying machines. The company holds 23 patents. During her visit to the production and processing workshops, Wei Zhaohui examined the production techniques and inquired about operational efficiency. She urged the enterprises to continue to optimize their processing technologies, vigorously promote standardized production of tea-oil products, and develop more high-quality flavored tea oils, striving to enhance the reputation of Huaihua’s tea-oil brand. Stepping into the product exhibition hall and e-commerce live-streaming studio, Wei Zhaohui inquired in detail about market sales and encouraged the companies to stay committed to both online and offline sales, strengthen market orientation, cultivate more local influencers, intensify more efforts to marketing, and increase the share of market with high-quality products.
Hunan Qinxiang Jiuzhou Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is committed to the extraction and comprehensive utilization of active compounds from tea-oil camellia, with its research and development of daily chemical products derived from tea-oil camellia showing broad market prospects. During the inspection, Wei Zhaohui examined various by-products from tea-oil camellia and learned about the technological research and development. She encouraged the company to actively participate in formulating standards for tea-oil camellia product series, strengthen collaboration with scientific research institutions, intensify efforts in technological breakthroughs, and promote the high-end, specialized, and brand-oriented development of refined tea-oil camellia processing, thereby driving the high-quality growth of the tea-oil camellia industry through technological innovation.
（Translated by Yang Sigui）