Shanxi has been developing its traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry with 90 percent of its least developed counties now planting TCM, according to a provincial TCM development expo held on Sept 16.

The planting area of TCM in undeveloped counties accounts for 70 percent of the total planted in Shanxi. TCM has been a vital industry for undeveloped counties trying to lift themselves out of poverty.

The per capita income of farmers who plant TCM reached some 400 yuan ($60.87) in the major TCM production area. In TCM bases like Lingchuan, Anze, and Pingshun counties, the per capita income of farmers in the TCM industry accounts for 20 percent of per capita income.