Organic farming transforms poor village's fortunes

With his leadership, the villagers pooled their resources — land, forests and rivers — into a cooperative, breaking away from traditional farming methods and embracing organic cultivation and livestock rearing.

The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Nearly 47 hectares of land were converted into organic farmland, where villagers cultivated a variety of organic grains and vegetables. They also employed organic methods to raise over 30,000 chickens and 5,000 sheep. All these products were certified as traceable organic goods, quickly capturing the attention of eager markets in nearby Hebei province and major cities like Beijing and Tianjin.

A single organic egg from Chehe became a coveted item, contributing significantly to the village's newfound prosperity, Wang said. Last year, eggs from Chehe yielded an income of 3 million yuan ($420,000) for the village cooperative.

By 2023, Chehe's collective income soared from zero in 2013 to 138 million yuan, with individual incomes increasing from 2,300 yuan in 2013 to 25,000 yuan in 2023.

The village, once labeled impoverished, was now thriving. The success of Chehe's organic model attracted international attention, becoming a case study in poverty alleviation and rural vitalization.

The village didn't stop at agriculture. It seamlessly integrated organic farming with tourism, creating a unique cultural experience. Visitors could walk through lush vegetable gardens, pick fresh produce, and stay in charming guesthouses that offered an authentic taste of rural life.

Chehe even built a 1,200-meter-long scenic boardwalk, drawing tourists eager to experience the beauty and tranquility of the countryside.

The impact of Chehe's transformation extended far beyond its borders. At present, Lingqiu county has established an organic food production base spanning 2,000 hectares, with 133 organic varieties certified. The total output value of organic agriculture has reached 570 million yuan.