"In the beginning," Liu continued, "the farmers around here raised deer using traditional methods. We have taught them scientific methods, and we continue to follow up and give them advice, in agriculture as well. In 1999, we started to use artificial insemination but without good results since we lacked knowledge. With time, research, and experience, in 2002 we achieved good results compared with the northeast, where they obtained 100 percent in the three-week rutting season, while we reached 70 percent in one week."
The year 2003 is significant in Liu's career because he took part in the National Seminary of Agronomists on Artificial Insemination in Beijing, and he came back not only with more knowledge but with an award presented to him on this occasion: the prize for remarkable accomplishment in artificial insemination.
"A fawn born in June has 15 cm antlers in December," explained Liu Hexin. "In May and August of the following year, we can cut its antlers again. A two-year-old male grows one set a year and those between three and 10 years of age, two a year." Certain deer species, such as the Northeast or Altay, have very long antlers but few branches. Tarim deer have a flourishing set, which raises profitability. And, Liu explained, "Antlers have three parts; the upper third is of first quality. It is what we export to Republic of Korea and Japan. The top three cm sell for 50,000 yuan a kilo. Middle and lower parts are used domestically." The Shi No. 2 farm doesn't alter the product. "We tried in 2002 but discontinued it." Reaching 100 percent profitability remains one of Liu's goals.
People easily believe in the virtue of deer antlers. Isn't that part of its mythology? Liu is convinced of the lu rong (Chinese equivalent for "antlers") beneficial effects because he tested it on himself, as did several of his peers on themselves. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), written by the famous Li Shizhen (1518-1593), mentioned its beneficial deeds, such as purifying the blood, reducing fatigue, and so on. Liu said that those who ingest deer antlers don't catch colds, and, for them, three or four hours of sleep are as good as an eight-hour night for others. Deer antlers exist in powder, capsules, or dry slices to be infused in tea or soup. After taking the natural medicine for 20 days, one can feel its beneficial effects. As with several other traditional Chinese medicines, deer antlers don't halt illness but strengthen and preserve health.
Knowing that a deer can live 20 years, I am surprised not to see 15- and 20-year-old animals at the farm. "From the age of 12 or 13 years, a deer is no longer productive," answered Liu. "Before, we used to send some of them back to the wilderness. Now, we keep them until they die of natural causes, or we sell some to farmers, but at a loss. Deer meat is good meat, but very few Chinese eat it. We don't have the right to kill the deer ourselves; it is a state regulation."
The deer seem to be timid animals but more curious than timid. After looking over visitors, they slowly edge closer and let people caress their muzzles. Liu feels tender toward them. Each one has its own personality. During the mating season of September to November, the males become violent; they fight, often becoming wounded, and one has to be very careful around them. Mating partners are scientifically matched according to the individual health file; a male has his own stable of 13 to 15 females. In the summer, animals remain in the shadows in a corner of the pen; in the winter, there is little snow and the deer adapt to a weather of -20 ºC.
In front of Liu's office is a round building, a community centre for meetings, cultural activities, and recreation. Liu Hexin said he doesn't feel lonely in this place which is populated with only people who raise deer. "The teams alternate in organizing performances. We have television and I play chess with my wife," asserted Liu with conviction. Books must be ordered and food is almost all local. Both Liu and his wife enjoy cooking, and they tend a large kitchen garden. Liu likes to take walks and, a long time ago, he used to play guitar, but today he prefers to listen to guzheng music on disc. Their daughter studies painting.
As each team has 20,000 to 30,000 persons – not all military, since many are civilian farmers – the number of children justifies the existence of a kindergarten, a primary, and a middle school. Furthermore, students must go to Korla to continue school. "We must think about the well-being of the growing generation and provide our children with a good educational environment," added Liu Hexin. His 11-year-old daughter is now in a boarding school as her parents are very busy. During her absence, a cat with its kitten occupy her bedroom. Liu is presently responsible for Teams No. 32 and 33, including work supervision, long-term planning, fund raising, and epidemic control. It turns out that he can't go home at night, so he sleeps in his office. Sometimes he lunches at a friend's place or at the cafeteria. Twenty-five workers are on the farm, all of them men "because the work requires physical strength."
"In the 10 years I have been here, there have been remarkable improvements: better living conditions, new houses, paved streets, environment planning." Each worker has his own house and Liu's has two bedrooms, a living room, and a washroom without a toilet. The kitchen is outside, and the "w.c." is under the trees…. In a region so scarce in water, a bucket under the sink substitutes for a pipe, and its contents are used to water the garden.
Liu became a member of the Communist Party in 1998. "This is very important to me. The Party inculcates in us strong morals and the spirit of serving our fellow creatures." I encouraged Liu to tell the story I read about him, but his great modesty obliged me to recount the story myself, while he confirmed, "Yes, that is correct." A woman originally from Henan Province, a mother of four, was completely deprived of her means when her husband lost the use of his legs. Liu lifted her out of her misery by supplying the family needs with his own savings. She vows eternal gratitude to him. "It was my duty," he concluded simply.
Before leaving Liu Hexin, I can't help but ask him his views on desertification, a problem proportional to the size of the Xinjiang autonomous region. While going there, I noticed that several sections of Tarim River had dried up. Finding this situation hard to accept, Liu remains optimistic. He instead drew my attention to all the greenery in this area, immediately northeast of Taklimakan Desert. Everywhere were productive fields and rows of poplars. All this had been produced by the labor of the Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps. All this arable land had been captured from the desert's mouth! However, the sand pursues its rapid advance at a firm pace. Is this because Xinjiang is too large for its population? Is it because whatever land is not needed, vast expanses are consequently abandoned? According to Liu, the major reason is the lack of water in south Xinjiang. "All that is planted can grow in the desert, if there is water. No water means death for certain," he said with a dejected expression.
Liu Hexin, who had been at my disposal for seven hours, even thanked me. "It was my duty and an honor to inform you."
(Source: Foreign Languages Press)
