News
Tea Farmer Yu Jin-Xin Actively Transforms Traditional Agriculture Through Industry-Academia Collaboration
2023/03/08
▲ In collaboration with National Chung Hsing University, the introduction of nano-calcium and microorganisms has made tea plants increasingly healthy / Photo by Reporter Li Wei-Ting.
To modernize traditional agriculture, local tea farmer Yu Jin-Xin from Mingjian began a collaboration with National Chung Hsing University six months ago. They introduced biotech nano-calcium and Bacillus subtilis to the tea fields, naturally enhancing tea quality and promoting ecological friendliness. The results are beginning to show, highlighting the importance of linking academic research with industry.
Traditionally, farmers relied on pesticides to ensure healthy tea growth. However, this practice no longer aligns with modern market demands. Yu Jin-Xin’s collaboration with the university successfully uses nano-calcium and Bacillus subtilis to transform traditional farming practices.
Professor Cheng Cheng-Feng, Emeritus Professor from the Department of Chemistry at National Chung Hsing University, explained that pesticide use in the past suppressed harmful bacteria but also killed beneficial ones. Like humans, healthy tea roots possess natural immunity to fight off harmful pathogens. Experiments revealed that nano-calcium consists of calcium carbonate inside and calcium bicarbonate outside. The adhesive bicarbonate allows it to attach to tea leaves and release calcium ions gradually, boosting the tea plant’s immunity.
Professor Huang Tzu-Pi of the Department of Plant Pathology at NCHU said that since September last year, Bacillus subtilis has been introduced into the tea fields. This bacterium forms biofilms on plant surfaces and roots, secreting polysaccharides to help the tea plants adapt to climate changes and retain moisture, particularly during droughts.
Yu Jin-Xin mentioned that although the trial has only lasted six months, both the tea and the field ecology have improved significantly. He plans to continue monitoring and fully implement this new agricultural model, promoting joint development for both tea farmers and academic research.
Combining academic research with local industries encourages agriculture to embrace emerging technologies. With collaborative efforts, the future looks promising for tea farmers to diversify their practices and boost local industry prosperity.
Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Z4XPZ3_IOWU
News Link:
Back
