Tiny Cordyceps militaris paves Zhang Wenxiao's road to prosperity

Rural areas can equally become a money-making land and a treasure bowl for aspiring farmers. Zhang Wenxiao of Xunengtun Village, Chenzhuang Township, Xian County, found his road to prosperity by growing Cordyceps militaris in his own hometown.

At Zhang Wenxiao's growing base, rows of neatly arranged white plastic basins are covered with a layer of plastic film. Looking closer, each basin is filled with small golden-yellow mushroom-like things. Zhang Wenxiao explains that these small golden-yellow things are Cordyceps militaris, and though they are small, their economic returns are high.

Cordyceps militaris is a fungus used both as food and medicine, with medicinal and tonic effects similar to those of Cordyceps sinensis. It can protect the lungs and benefit the kidneys, stop bleeding and resolve phlegm, and regulate bodily functions. It mainly treats pulmonary tuberculosis with blood-streaked sputum, soreness and pain of the lower back and knees, neurasthenia, diabetes and other diseases. It can raise white blood cell counts, prevent and fight cancer, and also has a good effect on reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.

Zhang Wenxiao used to work in transport. In 2014, through a friend's introduction, he began growing Cordyceps militaris. Artificial cultivation of Cordyceps militaris involves multiple steps such as seeding wheat grains, covering with film, harvesting the cordyceps, and drying. Not only is the process complicated, but the requirements are also very strict. The density of the wheat grains, temperature, humidity, light and ventilation must all be controlled just right; if any step fails to meet the standard, it will affect the quality of the Cordyceps militaris and in turn affect the economic returns. In his first year of growing Cordyceps militaris, Zhang Wenxiao suffered losses because of technique.

Although he thought about giving up, the unyielding stubbornness in his bones kept Zhang Wenxiao going on the path of growing Cordyceps militaris. To solve the technical problems, Zhang Wenxiao invited biological experts from Beijing. Through the experts' on-site inspection and guidance, Zhang Wenxiao learned where the problems lay and what he should do. Through repeated experiments, Zhang Wenxiao gradually figured out the tricks of cultivating Cordyceps militaris. With the technical problems solved, Zhang Wenxiao began actively seeking sales channels. Through his own efforts, the market is now open and sales channels are smooth.