Kiwis, Ganoderma bring famers prosperity

The kiwis and grapefruits are now ripe in the orchard at Changputang Village, Liaojiaqiao Town, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Under the kiwi trees in the greenhouse, the Ganoderma are planted and grown vigorously. “In our orchard, we interplant improved red kiwi fruits and cultivate Ganoderma to increase our income,” explained Zhou Zuhui, Party secretary of Changputang Village.

It takes two years for the improved kiwi to bear fruit, but Ganoderma can generate income in the very year. Currently, the cultivation of Ganoderma under the kiwi trees is still in the experimental stage, covering an area of over 10 mu (about 0.67 hectares). The Ganoderma is expected to get ripen between October and December. “The Ganoderma spore powder is the most valuable part, which can be further processed into oil and other products. We plan to sell Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma spore powder to increase our income,” stated Zhou Zuhui.

Hunan Zhoushengtang Biotechnology has established its processing production line for Ganoderma. In the second half of the year, the village will also cultivate morel mushrooms to further enhance the added value of the land. If the benefits are satisfactory, they will expand cultivation in the village next year.