Lanzhou, February 15th (China News Service) – Can a province known for its relative lack of forests still strike gold from its woodlands? Gansu Province, located in Northwest China, is betting on it. The province is actively exploring the potential of Linxia Jingji – or Under-Forest Economy – aiming to cultivate a 10 billion yuan industry.
Gansu, while famed for its historical Silk Road connections and stunning desert landscapes, isn’t traditionally associated with lush forests. This makes its ambition to build a thriving forest-based economy all the more intriguing. The strategy focuses on leveraging the existing, albeit limited, forest resources to cultivate high-value agricultural products and related industries.
This approach has already yielded promising results. As the saying goes, “Tianshui Gala apples are big and red.” The province boasts national leadership in the area, output, and value of olive oil produced in Longnan City. Furthermore, Qin’an peppercorns, riding the wave of popularity of Tianshui Mala Tang (a local spicy hot pot dish), have achieved their first export breakthrough.
Over the past year, Gansu’s strategy of focusing on specialty agricultural products has seen significant success. The total export value of Gansu Flavor agricultural products has increased by nearly 30% year-on-year, expanding the province’s export circle of friends. The current output value of the Linxia economy has already reached 9.3 billion yuan, demonstrating the tangible potential of this approach.
The Under-Forest Economy encompasses a wide range of activities, including:
- Cultivation of Medicinal Herbs: Many valuable Chinese medicinal herbs thrive in the shade of forests. Gansu is actively promoting the cultivation of these herbs to meet growing domestic and international demand.
- Edible Fungi Farming: Forests provide the ideal environment for growing various types of edible fungi, a popular and nutritious food source.
- Animal Husbandry: Raising livestock, such as chickens and bees, within forested areas can create a sustainable and symbiotic relationship, providing both food and income.
- Ecotourism: Gansu’s unique landscapes, even with limited forests, offer opportunities for developing ecotourism, attracting visitors interested in experiencing the natural environment.
The Gansu provincial government is providing support for these initiatives through:
- Financial Incentives: Offering subsidies and loans to farmers and businesses engaged in Under-Forest Economy activities.
- Technical Training: Providing training and guidance on sustainable forestry practices and agricultural techniques.
- Marketing and Branding: Promoting Gansu Flavor agricultural products through marketing campaigns and trade shows.
While Gansu’s ambition to create a 10 billion yuan Under-Forest Economy is ambitious, the initial successes demonstrate the potential of this innovative approach. By focusing on specialty agricultural products, sustainable forestry practices, and strategic government support, Gansu is proving that even a province with limited forest resources can cultivate a thriving forest-based economy. This model could potentially serve as an inspiration for other regions facing similar challenges, demonstrating how innovative thinking and strategic planning can unlock new economic opportunities.
References:
- Zhongxin Wang (China News Service). (2025, February 15). 缺“林”省份如何“灵”？甘肃探林下生“金”百亿目标 [How can a province lacking forests be smart? Gansu explores the goal of generating 10 billion from under-forest resources]. Retrieved from [Insert original article URL here if available].
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