Juncao technology promotes international development cooperation

A cluster of mushrooms emits a light fragrance, the turquoise Juncao is vibrant, and the small ornaments processed from Juncao are exquisite and beautiful. These could all be seen at the Forum on the 20th Anniversary of Juncao Assistance and Sustainable Development Cooperation, which was held on Sept 2. 

The forum was co-hosted by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the Fujian Provincial Government. Guests from all over the world praised the changes brought about by Chinese Juncao technology at the forum.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to using Juncao technology to serve the cause of human development.  

Over the past 20 years, Juncao technology has been part of assistance projects in Fiji, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Lesotho, South Africa, Eritrea and other countries, producing remarkable economic, social and environmental benefits. It has been widely welcomed and highly praised by local governments and people.

Today, Juncao and upland rice technology have spread to more than 8,600 farm households in 16 districts of eight provinces in Papua New Guinea, benefiting more than 30,000 people, and also setting a world record yield of 853 tons per hectare of giant Juncao. "Mushrooms and rice, along with coffee, are now the most important high value crops in PNG's highlands," said James Marape, prime minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, in a video message delivered at the forum. The project has brought tangible benefits to local people in terms of farming innovation, poverty alleviation and food security. "Juncao is our grass for poverty alleviation and prosperity," Marape said.

In May, China's Juncao technology assistance project in the Central African Republic started implementation with a plan to promote 600 farm households and train 1,200 people in three years. "Thanks to the beneficial practice of this technology, many farmers in our country have successfully cultivated a variety of mushrooms," Faustin Archange Touadera, president of the Central African Republic, said in a video address, adding that it "brings hope for the sustainable development of developing countries".

Juncao technology has contributed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, said Phankham Viphavanh, prime minister of Laos, adding that he hopes the Juncao Technology Support Program in Laos will be further continued and expanded either in the form of bilateral or multilateral cooperation, in order to contribute to job creation, income generation, poverty eradication and environmental protection in Laos.  

In Fiji, the island Juncao recycling industry development model has been successful. Fijian President Jioji Konrote said that the Juncao project is a good project and Chinese experts are good friends, and Juncao technology has provided a model for sustainable development for other island countries by producing high-end agricultural products while protecting the environment.