Hechi silk farming project recognized globally

A sustainable income-generating project for silk farmers being conducted by Hechi was selected as one of the global poverty alleviation models at the 2023 International Seminar on Global Poverty Reduction Partnerships.

In the wake of the launch of the 4th Global Poverty Reduction Case Collection event in November 2022, a total of 898 model cases have been received from 32 countries and regions.

Of these, 104 outstanding cases were picked – providing poverty reduction models and implementation plans for organizations and individuals worldwide concerned about poverty alleviation.

Since 2006, Hechi's Yizhou district has developed its silk industry, maintaining its position as the national leader in silk cocoon production for 17 consecutive years.

The Guangxi Foreign Capital Poverty Reduction Project Management Center has supported the entire industry supply chain of the silk industry in Yizhou. That's been through a World Bank loan for the pilot demonstration project in rural poverty alleviation in Guangxi's impoverished areas.

During the implementation of the World Bank project, five silk cocoon cooperative societies, as well as mushroom co-ops that use crushed mulberry branches as silk worm nutrition have been cultivated.

The project has organized for farmers to invest in co-ops and participate in the cultivation of mulberry trees and silkworm raising, sharing in the benefits of their development.

Currently, 468 households have invested in five co-ops in Yizhou. According to statistics, the total value of the silk cocoon and silk industry supply chain created by the supported cooperative societies, enterprises and the communities they serve has reached 278 million yuan ($38.3 million).

Workers get busy at a silk production factory in the Yizhou district. [Photo/Hechi Daily]