Raising free-range chickens under peach and plum trees: a new path to wealth through three-dimensional cultivation

Report from our correspondent (Wang Dongling, Wang Yuhong). At the start of autumn, in Li Shujun's orchard in Batougou Village, Zhangjiawan Township, Weichang Manchu and Mongolian Autonomous County, this reporter saw 2,000 free-range chickens raised under golden-red apple trees, full of "wild spirit," as nimble as birds, wandering and running freely in the open. "Our free-range chickens are jokingly called 'strolling chickens' by the locals. Raising chickens under the trees saves feed, keeps costs low, gives high-quality meat and good returns, and chickens raised free-range in the mountain woods suffer fewer diseases. At the same time, raising chickens under the trees benefits the woods too: the chickens eat the insects in the woods, their droppings return to the woods, protecting the woods and increasing the fertility of the woodland soil. The meat of free-range chickens is of good quality and counts as green food; each jin sells for 15 yuan, and once it hits the market demand exceeds supply." Li Shujun talked on and on to this reporter about his free-range chickens under the trees.

Treat developing under-forest economy as a new industry that enriches the people and pursue it unremittingly, so that this under-forest economy, with its low input, quick results, ease of operation and great potential, becomes a "new engine" on the road to increasing farmers' incomes and prosperity. Last year the whole county completed 69,700 mu of economic forest planting, the demonstration and driving role of the industrial bases became further apparent, and the channels for increasing forestry income were further broadened. As the structural models of the under-forest economy grow ever more varied, following the approach of three-dimensional development and cyclical use, a series of preferential policies has been issued to guide and encourage farmers to carry out under-forest breeding and inter-forest planting. In light of local conditions, vigorously develop under-forest planting focused on Chinese medicinal herbs and black wood ear, under-forest breeding focused on free-range chickens, wild boar and Rex rabbits, and actively explore the use of branches from thinning and tending of sparse forests and waste from wood processing to develop the edible mushroom industry.

Promote the development model of "company + association (base) + farmers," and actively guide fruit growers to establish industry associations and specialized cooperatives. At present, the county has established 28 industry associations and specialized cooperatives, including Batougou Yuxiang Fruit Products, Cuiyi Apples, Guangwu Plums and Qingrui Apricot Kernels, driving farmers to join forces and venture into the market.