Straw Finds New Life in Yichang's Circular Economy
2026-01-23 19:01:37
By Yan Wanqin
Yichang's comprehensive straw utilization program processed 1.85 million tons annually in 2025, achieving a utilization rate exceeding 95 percent. The initiative generates over 10,000 yuan per mu for mushroom farmers using rice straw as a substrate.
Yichang's comprehensive straw utilization program processed 1.85 million tons annually in 2025, achieving a utilization rate exceeding 95 percent. The initiative generates over 10,000 yuan per mu for mushroom farmers using rice straw as a substrate.
Farmers harvest mushrooms at a greenhouse in Mishuiqiao Village, Yidu.
In Yidu, farmers harvest wine cap mushrooms at a cultivation base where rice straw is the growth medium. "With fresh mushrooms commanding around 30 yuan (US$4.30) per kilogram, revenue per mu can readily surpass 10,000 yuan," said Xu Yunfeng, base manager.
This transformation is supported by a three-year development plan backed by substantial government funding and favorable policies. The initiative has fostered a robust ecosystem of 120 enterprises, each processing over 1,000 tons of straw annually.
A multi-tiered collection network connects village collection points with county-level processing facilities, while regional pilots explore innovative models like straw brokerage services and village-enterprise partnerships to optimize efficiency.
Flagship projects include an edible fungus base in Yuan'an County and a straw-to-fuel supply chain in Yidu City, which centralize collection and promote diversified, high-value utilization across the region.
Jie Xingwei also contributed to this story.
