Grassroots efforts bring far-reaching rewards

Research mission

In July 1988, Xi, who was Ningde Party chief, visited Gutian county to conduct grassroots research. He said a new way out of poverty should be found based on local conditions, and that developing the mushroom industry should be the direction for Gutian to take in eliminating poverty.

He visited Gutian on six further occasions during his tenure in Fujian, emphasizing each time that the mountainous area was at a disadvantage, but also had a unique natural advantage.

In recent decades, Gutian residents have maximized the opportunity brought by the mushroom industry.

Last year, the county produced 910,000 metric tons of edible mushrooms, with a production value of 6.2 billion yuan. Jobs were created for more than 80,000 farmers.

Zheng Guidong, deputy Party secretary of Gutian, said the county is also working to build a new type of shed with photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to achieve green production of shiitake mushrooms.