Orchard farmers stimulate Beijing's economy

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Beijing orchard farmers are boosting the city's economy and job market by finding valuable uses for land under their trees, authorities say.

More than 23,526 hectares, which had been left empty, are now used to grow mushrooms, traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and for keeping poultry, according to the Beijing Landscape and Forestry Bureau.

Authorities say that by the end of last year this industry - known in Chinese as the industry under the green - was worth 1.9 billion yuan ($306.5 million) and provided more than 300,000 jobs.

"The industry under the green has achieved great progress in the past few years," Hu Jun, deputy director of the bureau's desertification control office, said at an agricultural exhibition in Beijing.

The show attracted 57 companies from the capital's 12 districts and counties.

As well as keeping chickens, some farmers are increasing their incomes by cultivating flowers or using the land to develop eco-tourism.

"Each household is expected to see an income increase of 8,000 yuan a year," Hu said.

Zhang Tao, who works for a rural cooperative growing fungus in Changping district, said that although the industry has developed rapidly, there is still much potential.

He collects 10,000 kg a year of fungus grown under fruit trees from fewer than 600 farmers, and says many areas of land are still undeveloped.

Hu said the industry is also producing a greater range of products, from fungus, chickens and honey to ingredients for traditional Chinese medicine, cosmetics and essential oils.

He said Beijing has about 200,000 hectares suitable for the industry, adding that using the land helps to prevent desertification.

Questions:

1. What is the empty land being used for now?

2. What is the name of the industry this report is about?

3. According to Hu Jun, each household is expected to see an income increase of how much per year?

Answers:

1. To grow mushrooms traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and for keeping poultry.

2. The industry under the green.

3. 8,000RMB.

About the broadcaster:

Lance Crayon is a videographer and editor with China Daily. Since living in Beijing he has worked for China Radio International (CRI) and Global Times. Before moving to China he worked in the film industry in Los Angeles as a talent agent and producer. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington.