Chrysanthemum industry advances poverty alleviation in Kaiyang

Villagers harvest edible chrysanthemum flowers in Gaozhai township's planting base. [Photo/ddcpc.cn]

Edible chrysanthemum groves in Gaozhai township of Kaiyang county have helped lift residents out of poverty, according to a report from Guiyang Daily.

A total of 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares) of land in Gaozhai's Gangzhai and Pingzhai villages has been used to plant edible chrysanthemum plants this year.

These chrysanthemums entered harvest season in October.

"Nearly 40 people help pick chrysanthemums every day,” said Liu Yongpeng, Party secretary of Gangzhai village's Party committee.

Golden chrysanthemum flowers in Gaozhai township's planting base enter harvest season. [Photo/ddcpc.cn]

"Based on the labor cost of 1 yuan for 0.5 kilograms of harvested chrysanthemums, every picker can earn an average of more than 100 yuan ($14.84) per day," Liu added.

The total chrysanthemum output in Gaozhai is expected to reach 500,000 kg this year, and these chrysanthemums can be processed into 50,000 kg of dried flowers for sale.

Moving forward, Gaozhai will develop its chrysanthemum plantation project into a characteristic industry integrating viewing, drying, deep processing and sales.