Jinyun water bamboo debuts in Africa

Water bamboo from Lishui's Jinyun county. [Photo/Tide News]

A 750-kilogram shipment of Jinyun double-season water bamboo set sail for Gabon on June 7 from Qingdao Port in Shandong province, marking the first export of Jinyun water bamboo to the African market.

The bamboo was grown by Wuyangwan Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative in Lishui's Jinyun county. Li Chunmeng, head of the cooperative, said a cooperation intent was reached with African clients last year, and the export order was confirmed after this year's harvest.

Jinyun, known as China's water bamboo hometown, is Zhejiang province's largest production base, with over 50,000 mu (3,333.33 hectares) of planting area, an annual output of 126,000 metric tons, and its produce exported to Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, and other countries.

The cooperative, the first water bamboo export base in Lishui, applies strict pesticide and fertilizer controls and a quality traceability system to ensure safe products for overseas consumers.

This year's export season started nearly half a month earlier than usual, thanks to mulching technology that uses geothermal heat for early sprouting. The double-season variety yielded 3,000 kg per mu, hitting the market 10 days earlier than traditional open-field cultivation.

To overcome African market access standards and long-distance freshness challenges, Lishui Customs provided guidance on technical trade requirements, regulated pesticide use, improved field management, and established a traceability system.

Routine pesticide residue monitoring and remote video inspections were also carried out, and a green channel for perishable agricultural products was opened, with measures such as advance declaration, prioritized inspection, and fast clearance to preserve freshness.