Bountiful mushroom harvest boosts Wudang residents' income

Stropharia mushrooms at Jingjing Ecological Farm. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

Stropharia mushrooms have entered their peak season at Jingjing Ecological Farm in Wudang district's Dingba village. As they prepare to hit the market, the farm has organized workers to begin picking early each morning. After sorting and packaging, the fresh mushrooms are promptly delivered to consumers.

"Our Stropharia mushrooms start appearing on the market after Spring Festival. We expect a large-scale harvest from April to May, reaching up to 500 kilograms daily," said Yang Zhenghua, the farm's manager.

Stropharia mushrooms require highly specific growing conditions, making artificial cultivation challenging. However, the farm has meticulously controlled soil quality, water sources, and organic fertilizers to create an optimal environment. Thus, the mushrooms boast an excellent appearance, premium quality, and a crisp, flavorful taste, winning widespread praise from consumers.

The farm expects to generate an income of 300,000 yuan ($41,460) from Stropharia mushroom cultivation this year.

In an effort to improve land use, it also cultivates a variety of fruits and vegetables, including watermelons, garlic sprouts, and pumpkins. This diversification boosts farm revenue and provides job opportunities for local villagers. During peak harvest periods, workers can earn a daily wage of 150 yuan. Additionally, under a land transfer agreement, the village collective receives 20 percent of the farm's profits, strengthening villagers' incomes and the local economy.