Ginger industry vitalizes rural economy in Taixing village

Employees fill bottles with pickled shredded ginger at a factory in Meinian village, Xuanbao town, Taixing. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Meinian village, located in Xuanbao town, Taixing, is developing a distinctive local industry centered around the traditional technique of making pickled shredded ginger, integrating cultivation, processing and sales of the product to drive rural vitalization.

The practice of pickling shredded ginger has a history that dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Known for its delightful aroma and crisp texture, this ginger dish has long been a popular side served with porridge.

In 2025, Meinian village established a company aimed at modernizing production while preserving traditional methods, introducing standardized processes to improve efficiency and quality.

According to production manager Gao Hui, the company now produces tens of metric tons of shredded ginger annually, generating around 500,000 yuan ($73,307) in revenue each year and providing jobs for more than 20 residents.

Earlier this year, Meinian village also took steps to localize ginger cultivation, ending its long-standing reliance on sourcing raw materials from other regions. Leveraging its mild climate and fertile soil, the village introduced high-yield ginger varieties and green farming techniques from Shandong province and launched a 5,000-square-meter trial field.

The move is expected to reduce production costs by about 30 percent while ensuring a stable supply of raw materials. It also creates new income opportunities for surrounding farmers, with net profits per mu (667 square meters) reaching around 10,000 yuan.

Guo Weidong, Party secretary of the village, said that once the trial proves successful, the village will expand planting next year. At the same time, the company plans to develop new products such as xylitol-infused shredded ginger, further enhancing market competitiveness.