Cultivation of distinctive mushrooms: Thriving industry benefits residents

Workers harvest mature mushrooms. [Photo by Yan Xiaona for chinadaily.com.cn]

In one of the greenhouses belonging to Mingjiaxing Planting Cooperative in Dingtao district, Heze, Shandong province, clusters of chicken fir, a distinctive mushroom, are breaking through the soil, meaning it's time for farmer Zhang Yongmei and her family to pick them.

"This is one of the busiest times of the year. This year's chicken fir yield is good, with over 200 kilograms produced per greenhouse each day. Moreover, the current prices are also very good. I can only hope that every crop of chicken firs this year will be as successful as this one," said Zhang.

In recent years, Dingtao district has been exploring new models for industrial development, leading the public to engage in edible mushroom cultivation. 

To date, the district has established 12 professional cooperatives with a total cultivation area of over 400 hectares, forming a complete industrial chain for edible mushroom cultivation, processing, and sales. The cultivation of distinctive mushrooms has also become a significant industry for local residents, contributing to their prosperity. (Edited by Huang Junyao)