Hechi's ethnic village empowered with forestry innovation

Located in the northern part of Naweng township, Luocheng Mulam autonomous county, this ethnic village is characterized by high mountains, dense forests, and winding ravines. It is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including Yao, Zhuang, Mulao, and Han, totaling 446 households and 1,358 people.

With a forest area of over 30,000 mu (2,000 hectares), which is more than 40 times the arable land area, this village focuses on forestry production and was once a profoundly impoverished village in the entire township.

In 2021, certain members of the local community initiated an experimental project aimed at cultivating 15 mu of straw mushrooms and succeeded in producing a yield in the same year. However, the short shelf life of the product and the logistical challenges associated with transporting it from the mountains region rendered large-scale promotion unviable.

In the following years, the village gradually introduced the cultivation of Chinese medicinal materials, which are more suitable for the local mountainous environment.

Currently, with the support of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the ethnic village has established 12 demonstration bases for the understory economy, covering an area of nearly 1,000 mu. It has lifted 122 impoverished households out of poverty with an average annual income increase of over 10,000 yuan ($1,378) per household. Even the villagers who were initially hesitant have gradually joined the ranks of understory planting.

Local residents plant radix isatidis. [Photo/Hechi Daily]