Mulberry industry boosted by efforts from State Grid Xiajin County Power Supply Company

The world looks at China for the mulberry industry, and China looks at Xiajin. Xiajin county, which has a long history of mulberry cultivation, spanning the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Due to several enduring disasters caused by the shifting course of the Yellow River, ancient mulberry trees are now mostly extinct. Currently, in the remaining 400-hectare area of ancient mulberry trees in Xiajin, there are more than 20,000 mulberry trees aged hundreds or even thousands of years, making it the oldest and largest surviving ancient mulberry tree grove in China and even the world.

The ancient mulberry tree grove in Xiajin county produces 14,000 metric tons of mulberries annually. Relying on the resources of the ancient mulberry tree grove in the former course of the Yellow River, Xiajin county is paving the way for the development of the industry and protection of ecology at the same time. It has been promoting the development of agriculture, eco-tourism and culture, creating a comprehensive demonstration area that integrates modern mulberry industry demonstration, science education, rural tourism and the agricultural creative industry. Based on the concept of the homology of medicine and food, in spring, people pick the mulberry twigs; in summer, they harvest the mulberry fruit; in autumn, they collect mulberry leaves; and in winter, they pick mulberry barks. The measures are emphasized to maintain the ecology, extend the industry chain, strengthen the technological innovation, and develop a characteristic industry under the framework of rural revitalization.