Ecological free-range chicken farming helps farmers in Qianjiang, Chongqing increase income and become prosperous

Under loquat trees heavy with fruit, flocks of free-range chickens forage freely, chasing and playing, each one sturdy and with bright plumage, adding a distinctive sight to the quiet orchard. Recently, the author witnessed this scene at the Baisha loquat science popularization demonstration base in the agricultural comprehensive development project area of Gaige Village, Heixi Town, Qianjiang District, Chongqing.

Baisha loquat science popularization base.

In 2010, Wang Hongxia and her husband Zhou Qin introduced Baisha loquat from Zhejiang and planted it on 200 mu of land in Gaige Village. To improve the comprehensive benefits of the orchard, in 2015 she built 30 tiered ecological chicken houses in the loquat grove, purchased 3,000 chicks from Pengdong Township, Qianjiang District, and put them into the loquat grove, becoming a "chicken commander."

"The loquat grove has a good ecology and abundant food; the free-range chickens are absolutely natural and original," Wang Hongxia said. To make the free-range chickens more "rustic," she adopted a "combination of housing and free-range" method, letting the chickens range freely in the loquat grove during the day, foraging for insects and green grass and drinking mountain water; when night falls, the chickens voluntarily return to the chicken houses to rest.

"Nowadays people attach great importance to health and wellness, especially in diet, and green, pollution-free 'rural goods' are highly favored," Wang Hongxia said. Free-range chickens sell for 25 yuan per jin, and free-range chicken eggs sell for 2 yuan each, and they are very popular. By the end of 2015, income from loquats, free-range chickens and eggs reached 200,000 yuan.

"Chickens eat insects, which controls pests and protects the grove; their manure fertilizes the woodland. Free-range chickens move a lot, grow sturdy, breathe fresh air, have strong immunity, and their meat is more delicious. Baisha loquat has thick flesh and abundant juice, and its flesh is tender, deeply loved by urban residents. In 2016, it received 3,000 visitor pickers, sold 1,000 free-range chickens, 180,000 green-shelled eggs, and achieved an annual output value of 4 million yuan. At the same time, another 300 mu of land was transferred, and more than 30 surrounding farming households were led to start the income-increasing model of loquats paired with free-range chickens under the trees." Looking at the ripe loquats before her, Wang Hongxia said with a smile.