Chrysanthemums boost rural economy in Shandong province

Editor's note: Shandong province in East China has cultivated a range of well-known brands across several sectors – including manufacturing, tourism, culture, agriculture and food. Its Friendly Shandong, Remarkable Shandong brand strategy has increasingly become a key engine for driving the region's high-quality growth. China Daily is publishing a series of stories to display top brands, specialties and handicrafts in Shandong.

The chrysanthemum harvest season has come to the Dingtao district of Heze city, situated in East China's Shandong province.

At Shizhai village in Maji town, some 50 workers are now in full swing picking chrysanthemums at a flower farm. They pick around 5,000 kilograms of chrysanthemums daily.

More than 50 workers get busy picking chrysanthemums in Dingtao district. [Photo by Liang Shaoting for chinadaily.com.cn]

The farm has signed a supply contract with the Bozhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory in Anhui province, guaranteeing sales.

The golden chrysanthemum has a raft of medicinal properties and is in high demand due to the promotion of a healthy diet.

As a result, chrysanthemum farming has become a lucrative venture for the local farmers, with their planting area now around 300 mu (20 hectares) in the town.

The large-scale planting model has not only provided benefits for the farmers, but has also generated income for the surrounding villagers by providing jobs.

The farmers have plans to expand the planting area and invest in drying equipment to sell both fresh and dried chrysanthemums, aiming to increase their sales channels and boost the incomes of more villagers. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)