Gutian county is located in the southeastern part of China’s Fujian Province and is known for its edible fungus industry. The industry is a significant contributor to the local economy and has recently undergone significant upgrades to improve its competitiveness. In particular, Gutian county has focused on enhancing the quality of its products to meet the growing demand for premium edible fungi in the domestic and international markets.
One example of the success of these upgrades is in Fengzhu village, Panyang township, where local farmer Luo Lijuan manages a greenhouse filled with snow fungi. Luo’s dedication to the proper management of the snow fungi has resulted in a significant increase in the selling price of her dried snow fungi. In the past, prices for snow fungi were less than 40 yuan per kilogram, but today, Luo’s dried snow fungi can sell for over 3,000 yuan per kilogram. The increase in value can be attributed to the improved technologies and effective management implemented in the region.
The success of the Gutian county’s edible fungus industry can be attributed to the strict standards set in place for each link of the planting process of snow fungi. From the selection and breeding of fungus varieties to the development of the growth medium, the building of edible fungus greenhouses, and plantation management, there is a keen focus on quality control. These standards have led to a significant increase in yield and quality, which in turn, has contributed to the rise in market value.
The implementation of these standards has also resulted in an increase in employment opportunities for locals. As more farmers like Luo Lijuan improve their skills and knowledge in managing edible fungi, the industry is set to grow further, creating more job opportunities for the people of Gutian county.
Edible fungi, such as snow fungi, have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their various health benefits. The edible fungus industry in Gutian county, Fujian Province, China, has undergone significant upgrades to meet the growing demand for premium edible fungi. Only those who have received systematic training are qualified for professional planting of snow fungi, according to Lin Yanquan, chief edible fungus expert at the Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and dean of an institute of the snow fungus industry built by the academy and a local company.
Luo Lijuan, a local farmer in Fengzhu village, Panyang township, Gutian, is one of the many farmers who have benefited from the technical guidance and support provided by the local company. She receives fungus seeds and cultivation nutrients free of charge from the company and cultivates snow fungi under their guidance. This support has enabled Luo to reduce her risks while selling her snow fungi at a higher price.
Luo’s dedication to improving the quality of her snow fungi has resulted in higher nutritional value and better taste. She adds more ingredients to the growth of snow fungi to ensure that her mushrooms taste better and are more nutritious. This attention to quality has allowed her to sell her snow fungi at a premium price, demonstrating the value of investing in the quality of products.
The health benefits of edible fungi are numerous, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize health and wellness. Edible fungi contain essential vitamins and minerals that are vital to maintaining a healthy body. For example, snow fungi contain beta-glucans, which can boost the immune system and help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
In addition to their nutritional value, edible fungi are also low in calories, making them an ideal food for weight loss and management. They are also a good source of protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans. The benefits of edible fungi are widely recognized, making them a popular food choice around the world.
The promotion of the edible fungus industry in Gutian county has not only contributed to the local economy but has also provided people with access to nutritious and healthy foods. It is also beneficial to the environment. Edible fungi are known for their ability to purify the air and soil, making them an environmentally-friendly agricultural product. Thus, the success of the industry is not only helping to boost the local economy but also contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
The technical guidance and support provided to farmers like Luo have enabled them to produce high-quality edible fungi that meet the growing demand for premium products. The investment in quality has not only resulted in economic benefits but also health benefits, making edible fungi a great choice for those who value their health and wellness.
To ensure the quality and productivity of the edible fungi, experts from the Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences have developed new methods to prevent and control diseases and pests. One such method involves putting netting on farmers’ fungus greenhouses while advising them to frequently inspect the premises. This method has been promoted across Gutian county to ensure that the edible fungi produced are of the highest quality.
Luo Lijuan, a local farmer, estimates that the rate of infestation of her 40,000 snow fungi, which are pesticide-free, is less than five thousandths due to the use of these new methods. This success in controlling diseases and pests has resulted in a significant increase in the value of the county’s edible fungus industry. According to Zhang Chenghui, the Party chief of the county, the output value of the county’s edible fungus industry reached 23.5 billion yuan in 2022, demonstrating the immense economic benefits of promoting the edible fungus industry.
The success of the edible fungus industry has also had a positive impact on the livelihoods of farmers in the county. About 70 percent of farming households in the county engage in the production, supply, and sale of edible fungi. Additionally, about 70 percent of farmers’ cash earnings come from the edible fungus industry, making it a crucial source of income for many families. This demonstrates the importance of the edible fungus industry in providing economic stability and prosperity to local communities.
As the demand for high-quality edible fungi continues to grow, the county has committed to upgrading its edible fungus industry further. This will ensure that farmers are equipped with the necessary tools, technologies, and knowledge to produce high-quality edible fungi sustainably. By investing in the development of the edible fungus industry, the county can continue to provide people with access to nutritious and healthy foods while contributing to the local economy and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
Read More: