Gula village turns straw into a prosperous future

Gula village in Baihuahu town is turning agricultural waste into opportunity. Over 500 metric tons of raw materials have been collected to make eco-friendly fuel pellets, with projected earnings of around 100,000 yuan ($13,945).

A farmer harvests wheat with agricultural machinery. [Photo/WeChat account of Guanshanhu district]

In recent years, Gula village has strengthened its collective economy through projects such as forest-based livestock farming, shared agricultural machinery services, and straw reuse. With 73 hectares of village land invested in agricultural enterprises, the village has adopted a mixed-ownership development model. In 2023, collective operating income surpassed 300,000 yuan and is expected to reach 500,000 yuan in 2024.

These growing industries have not only created jobs but have also allowed the village to reinvest earnings into public welfare – subsidizing healthcare, improving infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable groups. Gula village is steadily advancing on its path toward rural vitalization, with tangible benefits for its people.