Chapter 501: Why Don’t You Raise More Chickens

Translator: End less Fantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Speaking of this, Zuo Mingdong smiled. “Although the bug disaster brought a big blow to the base, it’s also an unexpected harvest.”

When Du Yue and He Xing heard this, they nodded in agreement. Xia Ju was a little curious, but she did not ask anything. Zuo Mingdong did not notice the look in her eyes as he continued, “These bugs are rich in protein. They’re good for human and chicken consumption. However, they harm food and seeds, causing the crops in the base to fall behind in the past two years. Currently, most of the residents in the base live off bug powder. Only a few people can eat food occasionally.”

When Zuo Mingdong said this, Xia Ju could not help but ask, “Didn’t you say that there are plenty of eggs? Why don’t you eat eggs?”

Zuo Mingdong shook his head helplessly. “There are too many residents in the base. Even if every hen can lay eggs every day, they can’t feed so many people. Besides, there aren’t as many hens as you think.”

Xia Ju frowned and was very puzzled. “Then why don’t you raise more chickens?”

“It’s easy to say that, but it’s too difficult to do. The more chickens there are, the higher the chances of getting sick. You know the current situation. If the chickens get sick, there’s no medicine to treat them. Besides, chickens can’t just eat insects. They have to eat some food too. Where can we get so much feed?”

Food and clothing for people had become a problem, let alone livestock and poultry. Xia Ju nodded thoughtfully. The next second, the corners of her mouth curled up into a smile. “It’ll be fine after a while. When you and Captain Sun exchange the new grain seeds, you only need to wait for two months to harvest. At that time, it doesn’t matter if the residents eat it or feed it to the chickens. Moreover, the grain grown from the new seeds tastes better than before.”

Looking at Xia Ju’s confident look, Zuo Mingdong was a little curious. “How do you know about the new seeds?”

Although Du Yue and the other two had come with Sun Yu and the others, Zuo Mingdong had always thought that they were just tagging along and did not think that the three of them knew anything inside. However, looking at Xia Ju now, they seemed to not only know some things, but they also knew very well.

Xia Ju raised her eyebrows slightly. “I developed the nutrient solution, which is how the fourth base could improve the grain seeds.”

Zuo Mingdong was shocked. He looked at Du Yue and He Xing. “Is what she said true?”

He Xing nodded.” It’s true.”

Hearing the affirmative answer, Zuo Mingdong raised his hand excitedly and slapped his thigh heavily. “That’s great!” Zuo Mingdong’s face was filled with surprise, and his tone was filled with uncontrollable joy. However, not long after, Zuo Mingdong frowned again. “The new seeds and the nutrient solution are great, but the situation in the first base and the fourth base is different. There are too many bugs here… Most of the seeds sown in the field will be eaten by the bugs, and there’ll be too few that can survive. Therefore, even if new seeds are planted, the outcome will probably be the same.”

“What if we filter the soil outside and plant the new seeds indoors?” Du Yue asked.

Zuo Mingdong smiled helplessly. “The method you mentioned was tested by the base a long time ago. The filtered soil looked fine at first, but bugs would soon come out of it. It’s impossible.”

Du Yue suddenly remembered the first day of the bug disaster. Her peanuts were also planted indoors, and the soil was dug from outside. They had experienced extremely cold weather in the middle, but insects still emerged from the soil.

Perhaps the extreme cold had increased the vitality of the eggs. As long as the temperature and climate were suitable, the eggs in the soil would hatch into bugs. Even the finest sieve could not prevent it. This was indeed a very troublesome matter. While frowning, Xia Ju said lightly, “So, it’s because of this. 1’11 go out and take a look later. I’ll get some soil back to study and see if there’s a solution.”

“Really?” Zuo Mingdong looked suspicious. “Don’t you study crops? Do you also study bugs and soil?”

Xia Ju looked at him in confusion. “Who told you that I only study crops? 1 can study anything.”

“All…” Zuo Mingdong did not know much about scientific research, but he often interacted with the researchers in the base for work reasons. Everyone had their own field of expertise, but he had never heard of anyone who could study everything. It was not that he doubted Xia Ju’s ability. He just found it hard to accept..