Silkworm and Mulberry Industry in Huixian County

Silkworm and Mulberry Industry in Huixian County

　　The silkworm and mulberry industry is a traditional and advantageous regional industry in Huixian County, with a development history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Farmers have long-standing experience in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing. In recent years, the Huixian County Party Committee and the County Government have seized the historical opportunities of the “East Mulberries Moving West, South Silkworms Moving North” initiative and the large-scale development of the western region, where ecology must take priority. They have vigorously supported the development of the silkworm and mulberry industry as a key specialty sector for adjusting the county’s agricultural structure and increasing farmers’ incomes. To date, the county has developed over 5,000 mu of mulberry orchards, with an annual silkworm rearing capacity of 1,200 dan, producing 42,000 kilograms of fresh cocoons. Farmers’ income from selling cocoons has reached 630,000 yuan. Once the full 5,000 mu of mulberry orchards reach peak production, the annual silkworm rearing capacity will reach 12,500 dan, yielding 440,000 kilograms of fresh cocoons, and farmers’ income from cocoon sales is expected to hit 6.56 million yuan. In terms of silkworm and mulberry production and management, the county fully leverages the resources of the County Silkworm Breed Farm and Longnan Futong Cocoon & Silk Company, adopting an “company + base + farmer” contract farming business model, which has greatly motivated farmers to engage in silkworm and mulberry production. According to Huixian County’s specialty industry development plan, by 2011, the mulberry orchard area will reach 20,000 mu, establishing the county as a key high-quality silkworm and mulberry production base in western China.