Huaxi district's village develops special planting industry

Yunding village in Gaopo township, Huaxi district is 1,600 meters above sea level. There are four stockaded villages there, with 248 households totaling more than 1,170 people.

In recent years, Gaopo township decided to develop sphagnum moss, a kind of bryophyte, based on the natural advantages of Yunding village, which include high altitude, abundant wetlands, and warm climate.

Sphagnum moss has strong water absorption abilities, as well as good water retention, fertilizer retention, and ventilation. It is not only widely used in military first aid kits and degreased cotton wool, but also used to transport fresh aquatic products and refine them into food preservation materials.

"Sphagnum moss can be picked year-round without fertilizing, just dry and pack. It can sell for 5-6.5 yuan ($0.77-1) per kilogram, and the annual income of one mu (0.07 hectare) is about 7,000 to 10,000 yuan," said Luo Jialiang, Party branch secretary of Yunding village.

Since the beginning of this year, more than 80 households in the village have engaged in the growing of sphagnum moss, and more than 10,000 kg has been harvested, increasing household incomes by an average of 30,000 yuan per year.

In the future, the village will also introduce more high-quality sphagnum moss varieties and invite experts to teach planting and management techniques to farmers, Luo added.