Mushrooms are grown in the greenhouse of the edible fungus science and tech farm in Jiuquan, Gansu province. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

Once challenged by desert winds, Jiuquan in Gansu province is now embracing greenery and growing prosperity. Driven by technological innovation, three signature industries — edible mushrooms, flowers, and goji berries — are leading local communities toward a thriving future.

At the edible fungus science and tech farm in Xidong town, Suzhou district, greenhouse shelves are lined with plump, thriving fungi. Grower Ren Hongyan earns about 250,000 yuan ($35,434.58) annually from his five greenhouses. By promoting an integrated research-education-production-application model, the center has introduced advanced techniques, raising yields in nearby greenhouses by 30 percent and increasing income by over 12,000 yuan per mu (0.07 hectares). Through on-site guidance and systematic training, more than 300 households are now taking part in mushroom cultivation, with each seeing an average annual income increase of 25,000 yuan.

The fresh flowers cultivated at the herbal and flower science and tech farm in Jiuquan, Gansu province. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

Not far away, the herbal and flower science and tech farm hosts a seed bank preserving more than 3,700 species of floral germplasm resources. The farm provides 1,200 households with production contracts, technical support, and training, helping raise farmers' incomes by 3,500 yuan per mu. Through continued innovation, flower-derived products such as floral masks and essential oils have entered both domestic and international markets.

Meanwhile, at the goji berry science and tech farm, the industry chain continues to expand downstream. Products such as goji juice and goji leaf tea fill the display area. Through techniques like the "three-micro selenium enhancement technology" and ultra-low-temperature freezing preservation, product quality and shelf life have been greatly improved. Currently, Jiuquan's goji planting area spans over 300,000 mu, generating an annual output value exceeding 3 billion yuan and supporting the livelihoods of 97,000 people.