Cicada industry boosts rural economy in Shandong's county

The cicada industry has been revitalizing the rural economy of Xiangyin township in Ningyang county, Shandong province in recent years.

Cao's cicada farming base in Zhaojiachang village, Xiangyin township, Ningyang county. [Photo by Zhang Wen'an/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Every evening at 8:30, Cao Guangli and his family, from Zhaojiachang village in Xiangyin township, head out with flashlights to collect cicadas, quickly filling their buckets.

Cao's family collects cicadas in the farming base at night. [Photo by Zhang Wen'an/for chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2020, Cao discovered the potential of cicada farming during a visit to Wucun town in Qufu and began experimenting with breeding and raising the insects.

Cao leased 0.87 hectares of land, planting over 1,000 willow and poplar trees for cicada farming, using the branch-hanging method for laying cicada eggs. Harvesting started on June 20 this year and is to bring in additional income of 80,000 yuan ($10,997.57). He also started a small business hatching cicada nymphs, selling them at 30 yuan per gram.

Cao's family member gathers the cicada nymphs that fall from the egg-laden branches. [Photo by Zhang Wen'an/for chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, Zhaojiachang village has made the cicada industry its mainstay, promoting farming and sales through a cooperative model and fostering diverse economic development for the village.

After the rain, the cicadas emerge from their holes. [Photo by Zhang Wen'an/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Inspired by Cao, over 20 villagers from nearby villages like Heliu and Jiangjiachang have also joined the cicada industry, utilizing cicada resources to increase their income. Cicada farming not only provides job opportunities, but also significantly boosts rural economic growth. (Edited by Yang Yi)