Mushroom growing firm in Guizhou uses tech to sprout success

Guizhou Bright Lingang Jotoku Bio-tech, a highly automated mushroom growing company in Zunyi, Guizhou province, is leveraging technological strengths to raise production efficiency and boost agri-product businesses.

"The nine processes from breeding seeds to selling mushrooms merely need labor. Compared with the past when local farmers plant and harvest mushrooms with their bare hands, today's mushroom planting is more efficient and yields better quality products," said Xi Mingqiang, general manager of the company.

Xi said mechanized production helps raise efficiency to over 230 metric tons per 15 hectares, far more than that of hand work.

"The climate and soil condition in Huichuan district, Zunyi city in Guizhou is ideal for mushrooms to grow, which is an important reason why we located our business here," Xi added.

Founded in 2018 with a total investment of 340 million yuan ($52.43 million), the company, which started operations in November, now estimates its annual output to reach 26,000 - 28,000 tons, worth 180 million yuan.

Mushroom and related businesses are helping farmers in the district end poverty and enjoy shared prosperity. To date, the company has provided jobs to about 300 local farmers with a monthly income reaching over 3,000 yuan per person.