On June 18, the inaugural harvest of silkworm cocoons in 2023 arrived, marking a momentous occasion in Longtan Town, Huayuan County, Xiangxi Prefecture. At the serene cocoon collection point in Xianghe Village, silk growers were diligently delivering their first batch of fresh cocoons, which have proven to be a lucrative venture and a symbol of prosperity.
A total of over 200 pieces of silkworm egg paper were distributed in Longtan Town this year. Once the small silkworms were entrusted to the farmers, technical services and guaranteed purchases were provided by Huayuan Qunhui Silkworm Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
“The silkworm eggs on each piece of paper can yield approximately 54 kilograms of cocoons, and with 10 pieces of paper of silkworm eggs, we have amassed earnings exceeding 20,000 yuan,” exclaimed Shi Yuanfang, secretary of Xianghe Village. Statistics reveal that Xianghe Village acquired a staggering 6,500 kilograms of cocoons on that very day, translating to a purchase value exceeding 300,000 yuan. It exemplifies the resounding success of enabling relocated residents to “relocate with ease, establish stability, and attain prosperity”.
This year, the cultivation of mulberry trees encompassed over 3,000 mu (200 hectares) in Longtan Town. The yearly plan entails nurturing six successive batches of small silkworms, comprising 150-200 pieces of paper of silkworm eggs per batch. Solely within the silkworm and mulberry farming domain, this initiative can potentially augment the overall income of neighboring communities by over three million yuan.
Since 2021, Longtan Town has diligently strategized the entire silk and mulberry industry chain, facilitating collaboration with Huayuan Qunhui Silkworm Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. and jointly establishing a small silkworm supply center. Simultaneously, a colossal silkworm-rearing greenhouse spanning more than 10 mu (about 0.67 hectares) has been erected at Shuangping Village in Longtan Town.
Leveraging the collaborative environment of Xianghe Village’s small silkworm breeding facility, Shuangping Village aims to rally its residents towards centralized silkworm and mulberry cultivation. Within the precincts of Longtan Town, the comprehensive silk and mulberry industry chain is gradually ripening, emerging as an indispensable avenue for bolstering the economic prosperity of the local populace.
