The ophiopogon japonicus plantation in Zhaoming village, Dingyan town, Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Zhang Haijun, a resident of Dingyan town in Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province, is working to develop growing techniques for ophiopogon japonicus and promotes agricultural modernization to bring in more money for villagers.

Ophiopogon japonicus is an ornamental plant with medicinal uses. Its root can clear heat and detoxify the body.

In 2011, Zhang Haijun returned home and established Jiangsu Haijing Garden Development Co Ltd in Zhaoming village, Dingyan town. After more than 10 years of development, the company has built a modern facility seedling cultivation center and a production base integrating seedling planting, sales and garden engineering development.

The planting area of ophiopogon japonicus at the company's plantation is about 160 mu (10.7 hectares), and the plants are mainly sold in Changzhou, Xiaoshan and Shuyang.

To ensure a good environment for the growth of ophiopogon japonicus, the plantation has introduced modern irrigation equipment and built a steel-structure sun shading shed.

In addition, Zhaoming village has set up a nursery stock to further promote the development of the planting industry. The cooperative currenty has 104 members and has provided jobs for more than 80 villagers in nearby areas. The per capita net income of rural households has increased by more than 3,000 yuan ($421.17).