Chrysanthemum industry in Xiuwen helps farmers increase income

More than 70 mu (4.67 hectares) of golden-silk chrysanthemums in Xiaoba village, Saping town of Xiuwen county in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province are ready for picking.

Golden-silk chrysanthemum is beautiful in both appearance and scent, and is known as the "king of chrysanthemums". It has high economic and medicinal value.

In recent years, Xiaoba village has actively explored industrial development, and introduced and planted golden-silk chrysanthemums and small yellow chrysanthemums.

The village also cooperated with a processing enterprise in the province's Guiding county. Through the "company + village collective + farmers" and "company + family farm" development models, the village has increased farmers' incomes.

The picking period for golden-silk chrysanthemums is expected to last until the end of November. At the peak picking period, more than 50 people are required to pick at the base a day.

The picked chrysanthemums will be sent to the processing plant in Guiding county for sorting and drying, and then processed into products to be sold on the market.

"The output of 70 mu of chrysanthemums is about 1,000 kilograms, and the net profit is about 3,500 yuan ($482.4) per mu. Next year, we plan to focus on promoting the development of the cultural tourism industry," said Chen Taixiang, deputy secretary of the Party branch of Xiaoba village.