Recently, on the squarein front of the Xiulong Village Committee in Xiakou Town, Xingshan County, villagers have beenbusy loadingtrucks with bundles of “Iron Broom”(broom cypress stems) for shipment. After further processing, these products are sold both domestically and internationally, reaching markets as far away as Russia and Cyprus.

　　Broom cypress is a cash crop that requires relatively simple cultivation techniques. Its roots and stems can be used to make brooms, and its seeds possess significant medicinal value. This year, approximately 10.7 hectares of broom cypress were planted in Xiulong Village, butmarket demand still exceedssupply. The village plans to expand cultivation by an additional 500 mu (about 33 hectares) next year.

　　So far, the industry has involved 20 new farming households. It has generated an estimated income of 160,000 yuan, increased the village’s collective income by 70,000 yuan, and created over 40 jobs. It has become a distinctive, incomedriving industry contributing to local rural revitalization. (Sanxia Daily: Reporter/Wan Chunfeng, Correspondents/Yang Xue and Song Ying)