Qingzhen: Unearthing 'green wealth' from forest understories

In recent years, Qingzhen city has actively explored new models of forest understory economies. From forest-mushroom symbiosis to forest-medicinal herb intercropping, this transformation has turned forests into a viable source of income for villagers.

This year, Qingzhen attracted investment from Wansheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Co, securing a 150 million yuan ($20.86 million) project for the cultivation and processing of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. "Qingzhen's State-owned forest areas are vast, with strong water retention and an annual temperature difference of about 16 degrees, making it an ideal location for developing the forest-based Gastrodia elata industry," said Li Jun, chairman of Wansheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. 

A villager breeds Gastrodia elata. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

The company plans to build a full industrial chain in Qingzhen in three phases, encompassing cultivation, processing, research and development, and sales. Work on the first phase of the project is progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed by February next year. This phase includes the cultivation of 14,500 mu (967 hectares) of commercial Gastrodia elata and 5,500 mu of other medicinal herbs.

Each step of breeding, planting, managing, and harvesting requires significant labor, prompting many villagers from Xima village to return home and join the company's workforce. Under the leadership of the company, Lindai village and Poyan village have developed 3,000 mu of golden cypress and 200 mu of Gastrodia elata, involving over 100 households.

"The city's forest understory economy now spans 68,700 mu, with an economic output of 720 million yuan. This effort transforms green resources into a 'green bank'," said an official from Qingzhen's natural resources bureau. Moving forward, Qingzhen aims to fully use its natural resources, turning the forest understory economy into an engine for rural vitalization.