Chapter 1265: Chapter 1220 Doing Things that Benefit Generations to Come Chapter 1265: Chapter 1220 Doing Things that Benefit Generations to Come “`
After Xiong Dingcang finished speaking, he felt somewhat uneasy, his gaze instinctively sought out Nie Zhenbang. Ten square kilometers–this figure was carefully considered by Xiong. In terms of the experimental value, anything less would lack significance for reference, essentially equating to no experiment at all. Anything more and the cost would be too great, unbearable even.

Exactly ten square kilometers would be just right to form a one-kilometer-wide, ten-kilometer-long shelterbelt that could demonstrate its effectiveness in sand prevention in as little as two or three years, potentially even less time.

Xiong Dingcang’s “Desertification Control No. 5” wasn’t an ordinary shelter-planting project. The requirement was a density of one plant every two square meters. For ten square kilometers, that meant 5 million plants were needed–a staggering amount. Added to this were the construction of a drip irrigation system and subsequent maintenance costs, including the clearing of dead plants and replanting. Starting such an undertaking would cost at least two hundred million yuan.

Nie Zhenbang didn’t immediately agree. Times were different now, and with his current stature and position, what he said carried weight–even if it wasn’t set in stone, his words had to count. This was no informal occasion, but a very official research period. Whatever he said or did had to be responsible.

He couldn’t only see the benefits of “Desertification Control No. 5,” but also had to consider the costs involved. After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang asked Xiong, “Elder Xiong, what is the rough budget for the expenses? Do you have a detailed plan on your end?”

In his address, Nie Zhenbang always used honorifics, ‘Elder Xiong,’ ‘you’–this fully reflected his respectful attitude towards talent.

Secondly, what Nie Zhenbang worried about the most was planning. The role of a scholar is different from that of a leader. Scholars, particularly true scholars, often possess an idealized state of mind. They focus solely on their own research while neglecting other aspects: how much value the project holds, what it can endure. These concerns seem empty to them; they don’t care and often overlook these factors.

The endeavor was positive–should “Desertification Control No. 5” succeed, it would be a boon for the nation for generations to come. One could imagine that, in ten years’ time, after all the land had been fully improved, the entire nation’s soil would become suitable for habitation. This would ease the growing population pressure. But the fear was that Elder Xiong had no estimate in mind, acting purely out of passion, which could lead to an endless sink of resources without much value for wider application.

On the other hand, Xiong Dingcang nodded slightly and said, “Secretary Nie, I’ve made a detailed budget for this aspect. The cultivation of ‘Desertification Control No. 5’ is rather inexpensive. It can be done through root cultivation or cuttings. The biggest advantage of ‘Desertification Control No. 5’ is its rapid early growth–in the lab, it’s ready for transplantation in two months. It maintains a high growth rate for the first three years, then the growth rate returns to normal. After ten years, it reaches a height of six to seven meters.

The cost per plant is around fifteen yuan. For five million plants, the cost will be seventy-five million yuan. In addition to our previous successful experience with mixed planting of trees, shrubs, and grasses–and calculating one unit of ‘Desertification Control No. 5’ per two square meters–the cost is approximately twenty-five yuan. The total comes to one hundred and twenty-five million yuan, plus drip irrigation construction and later maintenance. In total, the cost will be around two and a half billion yuan.”

Xiong Dingcang’s description was meticulous, right down to each plant, and this thorough and serious attitude impressed Nie Zhenbang. Truly a guardian of the Earth, Elder Xiong is not only outstanding in research but so considerate in planning as well. This is the true nature of a scholar.

Meanwhile, Xiong Dingcang continued, “Secretary Nie, my team has already been preparing for this project. The United Nations Environmental Programme grants us about five million yuan per year for research. Plus, there’s financial support from the national Spark Program, special research funding from the provincial treasury, and support from the university. We have already cultivated three million plants ready for transplantation. After planting these three million saplings, we can fully supply the subsequent saplings. Therefore, we can eliminate about thirty million yuan from the budget.”

Nie Zhenbang had remained silent throughout, which made Xiong Dingcang somewhat anxious as he disclosed everything. The budget of several billion yuan required serious consideration even by the provincial committee.

After contemplating, Nie Zhenbang felt a surge of temptation to expand the scale. Ten square kilometers would cost two hundred and twenty-five million yuan. At a hundred square kilometers, it would cost no more than two billion. The larger the scale, the lower naturally the cost per unit. Even if the government couldn’t provide the full amount, Nie Zhenbang believed he could find ways to obtain it from other sources.

However, considering the effects of “Desertification Control No. 5” still needed testing, he restrained himself. Good things take time–if effective, it wouldn’t be too late to promote it on a large scale later on.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang looked up at Xiong Dingcang and said, “Elder Xiong, this project is indeed a boon for future generations. Naturally, the provincial party and government support it. Governor Zhentao, what are your thoughts?”

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Since Nie Zhenbang had already made his stance clear, Liu Zhentao smiled and nodded, saying, “I very much agree with Secretary Nie’s opinion. If Sand Control No. 5 can show significant results, I believe it will benefit generations to come.”

On this note, Nie Zhenbang suddenly said, “Elder Xiong, I would like to consult further, this Sand Control No. 5, since it can survive in desert areas, Governor, if it is planted in other parts of the province, wouldn’t it also be feasible? Also, what is the economic value of the trees?”

At this point, Elder Xiong also showed an embarrassed smile and said, “Secretary Nie, the soil in Longxi Province is loess in nature. For thousands of years, the agriculture on the Central Plains has exhausted the fertility of the land, leaving it barren. The extensive deforestation over the years has led to serious soil erosion and a tendency towards desertification in the province. Planting in other areas would naturally be more adaptable, and moreover, I believe it wouldn’t take half a year to see significant effects on preventing soil erosion and raising the water table.”

Continuing on, Elder Xiong seemed embarrassed as he said, “As for the economic benefits, I’m ashamed to say that when we chose the tree species, we only considered their environmental adaptability and growth issues. The wood of Sand Control No. 5 is porous, suitable at best for firewood in small quantities, without much economic value.”

“However, the characteristic of Sand Control No. 5 is that its roots go deep, avoiding much harm to the topsoil. It is very suitable for intercropping with medicinal herbs or other crops in the forest. It will not be a problem at all. Even the fallen needles, once they decay, actually have a strong fertilizing effect.”

Hearing the words of Xiong Dingcang, Nie Zhenbang nodded and expressed his position, “Elder Xiong, the provincial party committee and government, both Governor Zhentao and I, wholeheartedly recognize and support this project. You can go ahead with confidence. In due time, I will arrange for a special leadership team to coordinate with you.”

After leaving Longxi Agricultural University, Nie Zhenbang and Liu Zhentao entered the Jinlong business van one after the other. After they had taken their seats, Liu Zhentao, looking at Nie Zhenbang lost in thought, opened the conversation by asking, “Secretary Nie, are you considering promoting Sand Control No. 5 throughout the entire province?”

That Liu Zhentao would guess this did not surprise Nie Zhenbang at all. His facial expressions and demeanor did not hide anything.

“Yes, the environmental forest project, although cooperating with enterprises, is a new path in environmental management. However, on the whole, there are still many defects in the environmental forest project. The enterprise choices are mostly located along the Yellow River banks, which can effectively reduce costs. Moreover, the capabilities of enterprises are limited after all. Real environmental management still relies on ourselves,” said Nie Zhenbang with a sense of deep feeling.

Enterprises have their considerations, but Longxi Province requires management and protection not just along the Yellow River. The entire province, especially those areas of the Loess Plateau crisscrossed with gullies, needs the same. All of which can only rely on ourselves.

The height of Sand Control No. 5 would not block too much sunlight. And as Xiong Dingcang said, there would be no problem with intercropping crops or medicinal herbs within the forest. The lives of the common people would not be too affected. If it could be promoted extensively within the province, the evaporation of water across the province could be significantly reduced… In a few years, it wouldn’t be impossible for Longxi to return to its splendor from the Han-Tang period.

Liu Zhentao nodded and said, “There are quite a few benefits. If done well, this will be an everlasting beneficial deed for our descendants. It’s an achievement that will ensure our names are remembered in history. However, the huge investment required will be a heavy burden on the province. Across the 210,000 square kilometers of land in the province, aside from the sandy northern region, the urban areas, and the already established protective forest areas, the hills and gullies regions that need management total about 20,000 to 50,000 square kilometers. Even without drip irrigation equipment, shrubs, or grass plants, and considering only Sand Control No. 5, ten square kilometers will cost 75 million, so for an area of 20,000 square kilometers, that is an investment of 150 billion.”

“Yes, 150 billion, and that doesn’t even include labor costs. Of course, planting in the hills and gullies area may not require such high density, and costs can be reduced. But still, 80 billion is an inescapable figure,” Nie Zhenbang too felt some emotion.

However, Nie Zhenbang’s face soon revealed a resolutely determined expression as he looked at Liu Zhentao and said, “Governor Zhentao, my idea is to go ahead, resolutely and unwaveringly. For the future of the 47 million people of Longxi, we should tighten our belts and be frugal if necessary. I hope you can support me.”

This moment, with Nie Zhenbang’s firm attitude and sincere words, somewhat shocked Liu Zhentao. Unlike Nie Zhenbang, who is the top leader of the provincial party committee, he was the top leader of the government. Whether or not Longxi’s economy was good, most would point to the Governor’s actions. Liu Zhentao felt apprehensive as well.

After a moment of silence, Liu Zhentao nodded and said, “Secretary Nie, I agree with your view. A matter of benefiting our descendants cannot be delayed, we must seize every moment.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to join us at Qidian (wuxiaworld.site) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)