Formerly impoverished Fuping county, Hebei province, was officially lifted out of extreme poverty in 2020. The county has made significant strides in consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation through the plantation of edible fungus and medicinal herbs.

Edible fungus cultivation has enabled Fuping to draw closer to meeting its goal of achieving rural vitalization.

About 38,000 people in Fuping have joined the edible mushroom industry. Liu Jijun, director of the office of the development of the edible mushroom industry in the county, said that in recent years, the county has cultivated 1,400 hectares of mushrooms with an annual output value of 1 billion yuan, according to the People's Daily.

"Around 95 percent of households lifted out of poverty have benefited from this industry, with an average annual income increase of around 20,000 yuan ($2,800) per household," Liu explained.

The flourishing edible fungus industry in Fuping showcases the transformative power of agriculture in improving the lives and incomes of local farmers. With ongoing efforts to introduce new varieties and optimize cultivation techniques, the county is poised to further enhance its position as a key player in the edible fungus market, offering sustainable economic growth and contributing to overall vitalization in the rural region.

Meanwhile, by fully utilizing its land resources and favorable environment, the plantation of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs has proven to be another effective way for Fuping to curb poverty and vitalize the countryside.

Gujiatai village in Fuping, for example, has introduced the plantation of peony and weeping forsythia. These herbs are not only valued for their medicinal properties but also for their aesthetic appeal. Tourists can appreciate their beauty during the flowering stages, and when the herbs ripen, they can be harvested and used as TCM ingredients.

Currently, the cultivated area for TCM herbs has reached about 6,700 hectares, ranking Fuping among the leading counties in Hebei for TCM herb cultivation. This industry has generated an annual income increase of 81 million yuan, benefiting 22,157 people across 153 administrative villages.

The development of the TCM industry in Fuping signifies a remarkable achievement in both poverty alleviation and rural vitalization. By capitalizing on its unique resources and focusing on sustainable and green development, the county has not only improved the livelihoods of its farmers but has also promoted the preservation and utilization of TCM herbs.

quanzhanfu@chinadaily.com.cn

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