A Sanyeqing plantation in Suichang county, Lishui. [Photo/WeChat account: ls-mnews]

The national agro-product geographical indication protection project for Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, or Sanyeqing, in Suichang county – administered by Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – was officially approved recently.  

The national agro-product geographical indication protection projects are supported by the central government and are eligible to receive special funds for the protection of germplasm resources, promotion of standardized production, construction of demonstration areas, and extension of industrial chains, among other things. 

The Sanyeqing geographical indication protection area in Suichang includes the county's 203 administrative villages in 20 towns and sub-districts. 

Sanyeqing is a valuable edible and medicinal plant in China. It has been researched extensively in recent years due to its effectiveness in the treatment of various diseases.

Suichang boasts a unique natural environment rich in wild Sanyeqing germplasm resources, and Sanyeqing has been being planted and used in the area for more than 1,000 years.

In order to maximize the ecological value of Sanyeqing, Suichang is actively promoting the planting of excellent varieties with high pharmacodynamic components and the intensive and deep processing of the plant.

The annual output of Suichang's Sanyeqing has reached 120 metric tons, with the output value hitting 33.6 million yuan ($4.98 million).

The country is also seeking to integrate the planting of Sanyeqing with tourism.