As autumn paints the hills of Liulin County in China's Shanxi Province crimson, villagers are reaping more than just a picturesque landscape. The fiery-red broom grass (Kochia) blanketing the terrain has become an unexpected economic engine, transforming local livelihoods through a thriving broom-making industry.
This year's harvest spans 12 hectares of cultivated land, with farmers processing the resilient plant into durable brooms. The initiative has established a full supply chain – from cultivation and drying to weaving, transportation, and sales – creating jobs and stabilizing incomes in the rural region.
"What grows wild can also grow prosperity," says resident Zhang Wei, whose family has tripled their income since joining the cooperative. The project combines traditional craftsmanship with modern logistics, supplying households and businesses across multiple provinces.
Beyond economic gains, the seasonal spectacle attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts, blending ecological preservation with cultural tourism. Local authorities report a 40% year-on-year income increase for participating households, with plans to expand cultivation areas sustainably.
