Peony cultivation has emerged as one of the industries driving rural revitalization in Hai'an, Nantong, Jiangsu province in recent years.

The peony is a unique flower species in China, highly appreciated for its ornamental value. Peony roots and leaves are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for their hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties, while peony seeds can be pressed for oil.

Jiangsu Hongbo Machinery Manufacturing Co Ltd is a company engaged in the industry.

According to Li Ming, the company's general manager, Hongbo's oriental peony garden covers an area of about 500 mu (33.33 hectares). In addition to over 30 varieties of ornamental peonies, the garden also cultivates some peonies for medicinal and oil extraction purposes.

The oriental peony garden is an essential part of the company's efforts to integrate peony cultivation, forming a comprehensive industrial demonstration base. Chairman Han Qingyun stated that on average, 1 mu of oil peonies yields about 200 kilograms of seeds, with an oil yield of around 13 percent. According to estimations, each mu can generate about 20,000 yuan ($2,760) in income.

"When the new factory is completed and operations stabilize, a large quantity of peony seeds will be needed. At that time, we welcome local residents to participate in oil peony cultivation, providing us with raw materials while also increasing their incomes," said Han.

The company has developed a production line for processing peony seeds into finished oil products. A 10-mu peony seed oil production workshop is also currently under construction. Once operational, the oriental peony garden will not only provide a great destination for rural tourism but also serve as a showcase for the company's peony seed oil processing and manufacturing.

Ponies are in full bloom in the oriental peony garden. [Photo/ntjoy.com]