Yizhou silk industry receives honor

The Chinese Society of Sericultural Science awarded Yizhou district in Hechi with the title "hometown of silkworms in China" on May 25, further enhancing the reputation of the area's silk industry.

Sericulture is one of the pillar industries of Yizhou and receives strong support from the local government. Each year, 10 million yuan ($1.56 million) is invested in promoting the industry's development, reflecting its importance to the local area.

Currently there are 14 high-quality raw materials bases, one incubator center, and 15 related companies in the district. Together they constitute an integrated and efficient supply chain.

Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves and Yizhou district had mulberry fields covering an area of 346,700 mu (23,113.3 hectares) in 2017. These produced 58,000 tons of fresh silkworm cocoons last year –– the highest number produced anywhere in the country.

Yizhou now has the largest silk industry in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Annual production by the sericulture industry is valued at 6.26 billion yuan and generates a large proportion of the incomes of local farmers. The industry is vital for the area's economy and to its future growth and development.