Zeng Xianjiang of Ji'an, Jiangxi raises seafood from the sea in the mountains
"Beasts in the mountains, wild geese in the clouds, cattle and sheep on land, and fresh seafood from the sea" describes all kinds of mouthwatering delicacies. The great mountains naturally abound in mountain delicacies, and the sea surely nurtures seafood. Yet in Xiabian Village, Fanjia Village Committee, Hengjiang Town, Ji'an County, there are no high mountains, and it is a thousand li from the sea, yet "seafood from the sea" is being raised in mountain ponds. Just what kind of rare affair is this? Recently, a reporter came to Xiabian Village to find out.
A "treasure" invited back from Fujian
The reporter and his party came to a mountain pond in the village, where they saw a man lightly cast a net and slowly pull it up. In the net, vividly leaping and moving, were large marine shrimp everywhere! How could a pond in the mountains raise so many marine shrimp? With these questions, the reporter immediately went up to ask the owner of the marine shrimp, Zeng Xianjiang. It turned out that these marine shrimp were all "treasures" he had invited from faraway Fujian.
"These marine shrimp come in two varieties. The plump and large ones are giant freshwater prawns, and the slightly smaller ones are white shrimp. The original habitats of both shrimp are coastal areas." Zeng Xianjiang explained that the most striking feature of the giant freshwater prawn is a pair of azure blue walking legs, a large head and long antennae, and delicious meat, and it is relatively rare on the local market. Most of the giant freshwater prawns caught on site were over ten cm long and weighed more than two liang. White shrimp resemble the local prawns in appearance, are light bluish-gray, with thin shells and plump bodies, and the largest can reach over ten cm. "Ji'an is some distance from the coast, so it is hard to eat fresh seafood. If seafood is raised locally, then fresh seafood can be eaten right at home." Zeng Xianjiang said proudly.
More than 40 experiments
Both giant freshwater prawns and white shrimp need to be raised in water with a certain salinity. In order to master the technique of raising marine shrimp in earthen ponds, Zeng Xianjiang went to Fujian many times to study and investigate, constantly exploring. Everything is hard at the beginning. From failure to experiment, then failure again, then experiment again, after more than 40 experiments, he finally mastered a set of marine shrimp farming techniques suited to local soil and water conditions.
From stocking the fry to feed to management, from clearing the pond to fertilizing the water to adjusting the water, from season to salinity to pH, from the water quality environment to nutritional balance to improving immunity, and so on, when talking about marine shrimp farming, Zeng Xianjiang speaks with great familiarity. His shrimp farming in mountain ponds had finally succeeded, and he was full of confidence in marine shrimp farming techniques. Whenever he had time, Zeng Xianjiang would go to the shrimp ponds to take a look. Hard work pays off. On the day of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival alone, he sold more than 3,000 jin of marine shrimp, with one day's sales exceeding 100,000 yuan, and merchants came in an endless stream to place orders.
In the future, he will also develop shrimp-fishing agritourism
More than twenty shrimp ponds are scattered through the mountains like agate. Zeng Xianjiang stands by the shrimp ponds, joyfully admiring his "works," and in his heart he is also planning an even bigger industry. Not only does he want to build good shrimp ponds, in the future he will also develop shrimp fishing, agritourism, and other businesses. Zeng Xianjiang has also currently built dozens of mu of vineyards, and under the vineyards hundreds of free-range native chickens and ducks are raised. The small road leading to the hillside has been repaired like new, and that is the place prepared for grazing goats...
In this way, both "mountain delicacies" and "seafood" are complete, which will add a beautiful delicacy to the flavors of Luling! After cooking and seasoning, this pink shrimp shell instantly greatly increases the appetite. The tender shrimp meat, dipped in sauce and lightly bitten, has a firm and springy texture that brings full pleasure in the mouth, bouncy and fresh, and this is the original taste of a true delicacy! Hengjiang is one of the four great ancient towns of Ji'an County. Since ancient times, the people of Hengjiang have been diligent in thinking and brave in innovation. Zeng Xianjiang said he is willing to pass on his marine shrimp farming experience to more people, to make marine shrimp farming bigger and stronger, and to make it another resounding calling card for Hengjiang.