Golden cicada farming boosts rural economic growth in Shandong district

The golden cicada larvae grow underground by feeding on the sap of willow tree roots. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Nanxuye village, located in Laiwu district of Jinan, East China's Shandong province, the development of golden cicada farming has significantly increased the incomes of local villagers.

Li Le, a local golden cicada farmer, has transformed 30 mu (2 hectares) of willow forest into a thriving cicada farm.

According to Li, golden cicada farming follows a specific cycle: seedlings are released every June, and the larvae grow underground by feeding on willow tree root sap. By mid-June, the following year, the cicadas emerge en masse, marking a harvest season that lasts about 40 days.

During peak times, up to 10,000 to 12,000 cicadas can be harvested in one night, generating a total income of up to 15,000 yuan ($2,088.66).

"Our golden cicadas have a great taste, and customers often say they are particularly delicious, leading to many returning buyers," he said.

With diverse sales channels, including bulk purchases by restaurants, self-picking experiences for visitors, and online live-stream sales, Nanxuye village has established a robust sales network for its golden cicadas.

"Looking ahead, we will guide our villagers to develop a composite industry model that includes growing fruit trees above ground, planting grains on the surface, and farming cicadas underground. This unique industry will drive rural vitalization," said Zhang Kejun, Party secretary of Nanxuye village. (Edited by Li Weiwei)