Qianyuecheng village in Yicheng district, Zaozhuang, Shandong province has set up a cooperative to grow Oudemansiella radicata (rooting shank), an edible mushroom with medicinal properties, helping locals to increase their incomes.

The mushrooms have been sold to Beijing, Shanghai and other first-tier cities and, owing to their flavor and potential medical benefits, are quite popular among domestic consumers.

The village cooperative generates about one million yuan ($142,659) per year and has lifted more than 30 households out of poverty. 

Farmers harvest mushrooms at a greenhouse in Qianyuecheng village, Yicheng district, Zaozhuang, Shandong province on Dec 15. [Photo/Xinhua]

Villagers sort and pack mushrooms in Qianyuecheng village, Yicheng district, Zaozhuang, Shandong province on Dec 15. [Photo/Xinhua]

Villagers pick mushrooms at a greenhouse in Qianyuecheng village, Yicheng district, Zaozhuang, Shandong province on Dec 15. [Photo/Xinhua]