Kaili city, located in Guizhou Province in southwest China, has taken significant steps to promote the development of local agriculture by highlighting and marketing its unique specialities. Local produce such as blueberries, chili peppers, tomatoes, ginger, and morel mushrooms have been identified as key drivers of economic growth for the region.
By leveraging the natural resources available, Kaili city has successfully transformed these specialities into lucrative industries, providing significant income for local farmers and boosting the region’s overall economic development. The success of this approach has prompted local authorities to continue investing in the promotion and expansion of these industries.
One of the city’s most ambitious plans is to add 30,000 mu (2,000 hectares) of blueberries to the local farming area by 2025, bringing the total planting area to 40,000 mu. This will be achieved through the creation of a blueberry industrial park covering 10,000 mu, as well as eight additional parks each spanning 1,000 mu. In addition, more than five blueberry processing enterprises will be established to increase the value of the industry.
By achieving these goals, the total output value of the blueberry industry in Kaili city is expected to surpass 300 million yuan ($43.7 million) by 2025. This significant increase in revenue will provide further incentives for local farmers to invest in blueberry cultivation, leading to even more prosperous opportunities in the future.
Overall, Kaili city’s focus on promoting and developing local agricultural industries has proven to be a successful strategy for boosting the region’s economy. By identifying and capitalizing on local specialties, such as blueberries, chili peppers, tomatoes, ginger, and morel mushrooms, the city has created sustainable, lucrative industries that benefit both farmers and the wider community. The continued investment in these industries is expected to bring even more significant economic benefits to the region in the coming years.
The blueberry industry in Kaili city has been a significant source of employment for locals. With 6,300 mu of blueberries in full bearing and an average yield of around 800 kilograms per mu, the industry has provided long-term jobs for 300 people and seasonal employment for over 1,000 people. As a result, the annual per capita income in the region has exceeded 7,000 yuan, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
At a morel mushroom base in Youshi village, Bibo town, Kaili, local villagers were busy harvesting. Over ten individuals were engaged in the harvest, and some, like Jin Peijiang, a village resident, also worked at the base, earning a monthly salary of about 3,000 yuan. Jin Peijiang mentioned that his family owned more than three mu of land in the village, providing additional income opportunities.
According to Huang Lin, head of the morel mushroom base, the harvest season for the base’s mushrooms lasts for four months. With an annual output value of three to five million yuan, the base has helped 60 individuals increase their income. The success of the mushroom industry in Youshi village has contributed to the development of the region’s economy, providing much-needed employment opportunities for locals.
The blueberry and mushroom industries in Kaili city are prime examples of how local specialties can be leveraged to promote economic development. By investing in these industries, the city has created long-term job opportunities, significantly improving the livelihoods of local residents. Moreover, the success of these industries has spurred further investment, creating even more opportunities for individuals in the region.
The blueberry and mushroom industries in Kaili city have been successful in providing employment opportunities for locals and boosting the region’s economic growth. By continuing to invest in these industries, the city can generate even more significant economic benefits, providing a better standard of living for residents and contributing to the overall development of the region.
An official from the bureau stated that they have actively encouraged the development of featured agriculture, such as sour soup and blueberries, and have also nurtured leading enterprises to support the cause. The bureau’s efforts have been fruitful, as various local products have gained recognition across the country.
One such example is Kaili red sour soup, which has been recognized as a geographical indication product in China. Additionally, the technique for cooking Kaili sour soup fish has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, showcasing the importance of preserving local traditions. Moreover, a local company’s blueberry wine has been certified as an organic product in the country, further bolstering the region’s reputation for producing high-quality agricultural goods.
The bureau’s efforts have also enabled Kaili to expand its agricultural offerings significantly. For instance, the region has cultivated seedlings of chili peppers and tomatoes, which serve as crucial raw materials for sour soup, on 300 mu of land. Additionally, they have planted 3,000 mu of edible mushrooms and added 7,500 mu of blueberries. These additions have not only diversified Kaili’s agricultural portfolio but have also enhanced the region’s economic prospects.
Kaili’s agricultural initiatives have also allowed farmers to sell their products to other regions, thereby contributing to the growth of the local economy. For instance, ginger, chives, rice, and chickens from Kaili have found markets outside the region, indicating that the bureau’s efforts have led to the development of a robust agricultural supply chain.
Finally, the municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs in Kaili has plans to build 10,000 mu of high-standard farmland this year, equivalent to that of the previous year. This ambitious undertaking highlights the bureau’s commitment to continuing its efforts towards agricultural modernization, which is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the region’s economic growth and sustainability.
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