Herb planting: new business opportunity

Zhu Xin, 29, has always been interested in agricultural technology. After graduating from collage with a gardening management degree, he started his own business of building an herb garden.

Zhu invested 25,000 yuan initial funds in purchasing more than 60 types of herb seeds from overseas and cultivated them in a greenhouse. "Only 20 out of 60 adapted to the local climate and soil," he said. "It proved the theory that only the fittest survive."

"Plants are therapeutic. The contact with them gives people hope and vitality...," Zhu said, "I like herbs, and I feel that I have a romantic career."

Currently, plants from Zhu's garden such as mint, rosemary and thyme are being supplied to local restaurants and flower markets. According to Zhu, this is just a temporary way to withdraw the capital. His ultimate goal is to deep process the herbs and create high-end products such as essential oil and cosmetics.

Zhu Xin checks his herb plant in a greenhouse in Yantai, Shandong, on Nov 27, 2012.?[Photo/CFP]

Zhu Xin checks his herb plant in a greenhouse in Yantai, Shandong, on Nov 27, 2012.?[Photo/CFP]