Nanyang, Henan: Reliable Power Empowers Mugwort Industry Development

Recently, in the production workshop of Jiangliuwa Village, Zaoyuan Town, Zhenping County, Nanyang City, Henan Province, moxa sticks moved along the production line through processes including cleaning, drying, impurities removal, crushing, moxa floss extraction, and rolling before being packaged and shipped to other regions.

In recent years, the growing market demand for moxa products has encouraged more villagers in Zaoyuan Town to engage in large-scale mugwort cultivation and processing. Since 2017, the town has been developing a mugwort industrial base and building a mugwort-themed town. As mugwort planting and processing expanded, the demand for electricity increased accordingly.

Staff carry out live-line defect elimination

Photo by Yuan Wenjun

In response to the electricity demand, the State Grid Nanyang Power Supply Company constructed Phase II of the 35kV Zaoyuan Substation project, which transformed the substation into a dual-power supply facility. In 2025, the company prioritized supporting the mugwort industry’s electricity needs in its distribution network upgrading projects. A dedicated mugwort industry electricity service team was formed to understand enterprises’ requirements and develop customized electricity solutions, enhancing service precision.

Today, Zaoyuan Town is home to over ten mugwort processing enterprises, forming a complete industrial chain that includes mugwort planting, product processing, new product development, and online and offline sales. The product range includes over 300 varieties across 70 categories, such as moxa floss, moxa incense, and moxibustion products. Approximately 3,000 households are engaged in mugwort-related industries, cultivating 23,000 mu (approx. 1,533 hectares / 3,800 acres) of mugwort and processing around 4,500 tons annually, generating an output value of 130 million yuan.