In the shifting sands of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a humble parasitic plant is making big waves. Meet Cistanche – nicknamed the 'desert ginseng' – which is turning barren landscapes into eco-friendly goldmines while battling desertification. 🌵💪
On World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, CGTN’s Liu Xiaoxian ventured into China’s arid northwest to uncover how this ancient herbal remedy is fueling modern sustainability efforts. Local farmers now cultivate Cistanche alongside drought-resistant saxaul trees, creating a symbiotic 'green shield' against expanding deserts.
💡 Why it’s genius: The plant thrives in harsh conditions, stabilizes soil, and sells for up to $100/kg in traditional medicine markets. 'It’s like nature’s 2-for-1 deal,' says researcher Dr. Wang Li. 'We’re fighting sandstorms while building new income streams for communities.'
From desert labs to TikTok-famous plantations (#SandToSuccess), Xinjiang’s approach blends ancestral knowledge with drone monitoring and AI-powered irrigation. The result? Over 2,000 hectares reclaimed since 2020 – proving environmental wins don’t have to sacrifice economic gains. 🌍✨
