Anlong, one of the counties in Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, will soon harvest the edible mushrooms planted in a mass cluster of greenhouses.
To create a better life for the local people, since 2017 the local authority has invested in establishing an industrial chain for the mushroom business, and has attracted eight corporate investors, creating more jobs and increased income for the locals.
Because of the shortage of farmland resources and agricultural infrastructure, Anlong's economy has been stagnant for some years. However, the local government has made good use of the mushroom business, setting up a mini industrial zone in which 57 agricultural firms are located.
As of 2017, there were 7,000 mu (466.67 hectares) of mushroom plantations in Anlong county, yielding 90,000 tons of edible mushrooms worth over 900 million yuan ($141.9 million). Thanks to the promising mushroom business, 5,470 local families below the poverty line have seen their seasonal incomes increase to over 50,000 yuan.
"Now the mushroom business has become one of our pillar industries. It will continue to benefit the local economy and lead our people out of poverty," said county head Ran Longbin.
