New rice-shrimp symbiotic model in Changsha County, Hunan helps farmers increase income and become prosperous
On February 15, villagers of Huaguo Village, Guoyuan Town, Changsha County, Hunan Province, planted sugar oranges beside the "rice + crayfish" ecological breeding base.
For consecutive days, Changsha County, Hunan Province, has had clear skies and gentle breezes. The fine weather accelerated the arrival of the "busy farming" season. On the afternoon of February 15, in Huaguo Village, Guoyuan Town, many farmers were ditching fields, spreading lime, and installing anti-escape nets... bustling with activity. The fields, silent throughout the entire winter, once again radiated vitality and vigor thanks to the busy figures of the farmers.
"These procedures pave the way for implementing the 'rice + crayfish' ecological breeding model." Tu Xu, head of the Yitian Breeding Professional Cooperative in Changsha County, introduced that last year he tried this model in Huaguo Village and achieved unexpected results. "Citizens coming to fish for crayfish came in an endless stream, and vehicles even formed long lines." Tu Xu said the "rice + crayfish" model not only fattened his wallet but also boosted the village's popularity and promoted rural tourism.
Having achieved great success on the first attempt, Tu Xu, who had tasted the sweetness and seen the prospects, expanded the area to nearly 200 mu this year and further improved the infrastructure. "We started work before the Spring Festival ended, organizing villagers to spread lime to disinfect the rice fields and plant aquatic plants. At the same time, we widened the field ridges and roads to facilitate vehicles and pedestrians, and built sheds that can provide shade and shelter from rain." Tu Xu stated that around mid-March, crayfish seedlings will be stocked, and they can be marketed by May.
One person being rich is not true wealth; only when the whole village is wealthy does it truly feel good. After a year of practice, Tu Xu, with experience and technology, began to drive surrounding villagers along. "Twelve households of villagers joined this endeavor this year, and their combined area is about 300 mu." Tu Xu said the "rice + crayfish" model has virtually become the characteristic leading industry of Huaguo Village.
"The town strongly supports our village's development of the 'rice + crayfish' ecological breeding model, and in May this year there are also plans to hold the first crayfish food festival." Tu Xu said happily that this has given the villagers of Huaguo Village great motivation, and he hopes to further promote rural tourism through crayfish and increase farmers' income.