“Sorghum is a prosperous industry, with a short growth cycle and relatively ideal returns. It’s planted in April and harvested in October every year, which does not affect the rotational farming of rapeseed and potatoes,” said Zhang Shaochang, head of the sorghum planting base.
Occasionally, Zhang Shaochang found that sorghum has a short growth cycle and considerable benefits, making it very suitable for planting in mountainous areas. Therefore, he went out to learn the planting experience from others and began to try planting sorghum in the village.
His idea received support from the local government officials who provided technical guidance for his sorghum planting, and harvesters during the harvest season, and helped him transfer land.
The good returns and support from multiple parties have strengthened his confidence in continuing to develop sorghum cultivation.
This year, Zhang Shaochang planted over 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of sorghum and purchased modern agricultural machines like drones and cultivators to improve planting efficiency with the money he earned.
At the same time, he transferred over 1,500 mu (100 hectares) of land from villagers. Faced with insufficient land, he led villagers to reclaim more than 1,500 mu (100 hectares) of abandoned land, achieving a win-win situation of farmland protection and utilization.
More than 10,000 people are required to work in a year for sorghum cultivation, which creates job opportunities for local and surrounding villagers.
“This year’s 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of sorghum, through technological improvement, can yield up to 600 kg per mu, with a production value of 4,000 yuan per mu and an annual output value of over 10 million yuan,” said Zhang Shaochang.
“Now, the sales of sorghum as raw materials are the main source of income. We need to continue to enhance cooperation with local leading enterprises and expand the planting scale. Next, to achieve sustainable development, relying on modern technologies, a grain production system of the sorghum industry will be established, the industrial chain will be extended, and sorghum cakes and wine will be produced to enhance added value and competitiveness.” Zhang Shaochang is confident in future planning.
Now, young people in Zhuoluo Village work outside. It’s hoped that they can return to their hometown to start businesses and help villagers to get rich by developing the sorghum industry, so as to achieve rural revitalization through industrial development.
