Henan Kaifeng: Reliable Power Supply Safeguards Mugwort Industry

On August 18, the strong fragrance of mugwort fills the air at Zhen'ai Herbal Company in Kaocheng Town, Lankao County, Kaifeng City, Henan Province. More than 20 workers operate machines skillfully amid a bustling workshop. Not far away, staff from State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company inspect power equipment to eliminate potential hazards.

Lankao County lies on the old course of the Yellow River. With its fertile, loose soil, it is well suited to mugwort cultivation. In 2021, Liu Zhiqiang, who had worked away from home for years, returned to his hometown and founded Zhen'ai Herbal Company. It initially operated out of just two ordinary houses and relied entirely on manual work, resulting in low output. During a visit, staff from State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company introduced the advantages of automated production equipment to Liu Zhiqiang.

He later decided to install automated equipment. Upon completion of the new plant, staff from State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company visited the site without delay and connected power for the factory the very same day. After the automated equipment was put into operation, the company realized mass production of mugwort-moxa columns, greatly improving production efficiency.

As Zhen'ai Herbal Company expanded its production scale, the company began to have higher requirements for power supply reliability. State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company arranges for staff to conduct regular on-site inspections of power lines and equipment. Not long ago, an unexpected power failure hit the company. Power-supply technicians rushed to the scene with repair tools, identified and fixed the fault, and quickly restored normal electricity for the production workshop.

Today, Zhen'ai Herbal Company has grown into a well-known local brand in Lankao County, which has represented the local green industry that benefits farmers at various expos on multiple occasions. Furthermore, it provides jobs for 26 villagers from surrounding communities and has encouraged local farmers to plant over 1,000 mu of mugwort, increasing annual income by more than 6,000 yuan per mu and broadening channels for farmers to increase their incomes and prosper. (By Hu Bianjiang)