China innovates eco-friendly pesticide safe for human consumption

In a groundbreaking development, China's Wulanchabu-based Cold Vegetables Workstation has unveiled StarWater, a revolutionary organic pesticide that is safe enough to be dissolved in water and consumed like syrup.

Pioneering eco-friendly farming, this innovation promises a new era of sustainable agriculture with potential global impact.

Established in 2012, the Academician Workstation of Cold Vegetables in Wulanchabu is China's first dedicated research facility for cold-tolerant vegetables.

Ulanqab City's unique geographical location and climatic conditions-situated at 41°N latitude, 1,400 metres above sea level north of the Yin Mountains, with an annual average temperature of 4.3°C and a summer average of 18.8°C-provide natural advantages for the establishment of the research station.

As early as 2000, through the joint efforts of local markets, merchants, farmers, and agricultural technicians, Ulanqab began trial cultivation of cold-tolerant vegetables such as carrots and onions.

At that time, farmers' net income per mu already exceeded 1,000 yuan, greatly stimulating their enthusiasm for cultivation.

Over the past decade, the Cold-Tolerant Vegetable Academician Workstation has facilitated the expansion of Ulanqab's cold-tolerant vegetable cultivation to 500,000 mu (approximately 33,333 hectares), generating an annual output value of 2.4 billion yuan.

This initiative has created employment opportunities for over 300,000 farmers from various ethnic groups across the region.

Recently, foreign journalists from 23 countries visited the workstation as part of a media exchange programme titled "Travelogue of China," organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) and Global Times Online.

Wu Hailong, president of the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), was also present.

This workstation has developed an organic and health-safe pesticide that redefines eco-friendly farming.

Imagine pesticides so safe you could dissolve them in water and drink them like syrup-a testament to China's unwavering commitment to green, organic agriculture. This isn't just innovation; it's a revolution in farming practices, blending science, sustainability, and human health in ways people never thought possible.

Talking to the journalists, Guan Huiming, head of the workstation, said, "Currently, this is indeed unique to China. As of now, no other pesticide in the world meets this standard. Others may be low-toxicity or eco-friendly, but none are safe for human consumption."

He also added that the product is commercially named StarWater.

"It is currently in the trial phase. This product is part of a series of food-safe insecticides, achieving a contact kill rate exceeding 80%. It has passed non-toxic series tests, and the research was conducted independently without any collaborators. The invention has already been granted a patent."

Frankly speaking, this represents the invention of a new theory. Based on this theory, a range of non-toxic insecticides can be formulated, with raw materials derived from grains or meats, he added.

Commenting on the pesticide, one of the journalists said, "It is truly unimaginable for many countries that an insecticide could be harmless to humans and even drinkable, but China has proved it."

He added, "This actually reflects China's commitment to eco-friendly agriculture."