Zhifang tribute rice brings prosperity to Jiuzhuang town

Jiuzhuang town in Xifeng county, Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province, is currently harvesting Zhifang tribute rice, a special agricultural product unique to the town.

"I have grown 9 mu (0.6 hectares) of tribute rice, some of which has been ordered by friends, and the rest will be purchased by the cooperative. I am expecting a 20,000-yuan ($3,000) income for the rice," said Li Zhonghui, a resident of the town's Zhifang village.

In order to boost the local industry and improve rural living conditions, the government has linked every village via concrete roads. Express delivery services are now available in all parts of the town.

"The soil of our village is rich in potassium and selenium. The color of the earth is like horse blood and is suitable for growing rice," said Mao Liyou, director of the Zhifang village committee, "Zhifang tribute rice has a very long history as a quality gift, and villagers often treat guests to it or offer it as a gift for friends."

A professional cooperative was established in the village in 2009 to develop the tribute rice, and now a total of 110 villagers have become members of the cooperative.

Zhifang tribute rice has not only helped the entire town thrive, but has also been selected as one of Xifeng's top 10 tourist commodities and a geographical indication product. It has become a star product of many agricultural product exhibitions.