Cactus Becomes A Mainstay In China, From Healthy Fresh Vegetables To Diabetes Drugs

JAKARTA - Cactus which is often found in Indonesia as an ornamental plants, in China has more value. In the Daqing area, Heilongjiang Province, North China, cacti are cultivated for various purposes ranging from drugs, cosmetics, tea, to green vegetables. In fact, cacti consumption is believed to be able to prolong life, making it popular among the elderly.

This was conveyed by the President Director of Changqingshu, Wang Jiayan, when receiving a visit from the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the Indonesian Cyber Media Network (JMSI) at his cactus field on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Kaktus here has become a big business, especially for additional food ingredients that help control blood sugar levels and cholesterol for diabetics," Wang said in a written statement received in Jakarta, Friday, October 18.

In addition to health, cacti are also used as an example that is believed to prolong life. Cactus in China is known as vegetables for a long life," added Wang. Not only that, but cacti are also processed into juice, cosmetic ingredients, and a substitute for tea.

In the question and answer session, one of the PWI delegates asked about the benefits of cacti for the vitality of the husband and wife. Wang Jiayan had smiled before answering slowly after the meeting ended, "Of course. With controlled blood sugar, general health, including bed matters, it would be better".

Changqingshu, a company that has been around for 24 years, produces about 300 tonnes of cactus leaves annually from 16 greenhouses. This cactus product is marketed 90 percent domestically, while the rest is exported to Australia. Wang also explained that cacti only need to be planted once, and the leaves can continue to be harvested every month. "We planted this cactus bar 24 years ago, and with routine pruning, the height remains under the roof of the greenhouse," Wang explained.

During the visit, PWI was represented by Mohammad Nasir (General Treasurer of Central PWI), HM Untung Kurniadi Effendi (Chairman of Assets), and Zainal Helmie Masdar (Chairman of PWI South Kalimantan). Meanwhile, the JMSI delegation was led by General Chair Teguh Santosa. The group was also accompanied by representatives of the Chinese Journalists Association (All China Journalists Association/ACJA), Wang Xin and Li Zhuoqi, as well as ACJA Daqing Chair, Li Hejing.

Mohammad Nasir appreciated this cactus cultivation effort, especially because of the human values that were upheld. "All employees here are recruited from economically and physically weak groups, including orphans and people with disabilities," said Nasir.

With the widespread use of cacti, this visit shows the great potential of this often ignored plant, both as a source of health and economy.