Shiitake mushrooms are seen inside a tunnel-shaped farm along the Hangzhou-Taiwan high-speed railway in Jiaxing, East China’s Zhejiang province, on May 12, 2023. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]
Thousands of shiitake mushrooms thrive inside a tunnel-shaped farm alongside the Hangzhou-Taiwan high-speed railway in Jiaxing, East China’s Zhejiang province, creating a stunning scene.
The innovative mushroom farm, which is more than 15 kilometers long and covers an area of 70,000 square meters, is said to be the world’s first high-speed rail mushroom farm.
The controlled temperature and humidity inside the tunnels provide an ideal environment for growing shiitake mushrooms, allowing them to grow quickly and healthily. Advanced technology is also used to monitor and adjust the growing conditions, ensuring the mushrooms receive the optimal amount of light, water, and nutrients.
The mushroom farm, a joint project between a local agricultural company and the China Railway Shanghai Group, has been in operation for several months and is already producing a significant yield. The mushrooms are harvested and sold to local markets and restaurants, providing a valuable source of income for the farmers.
In addition to its commercial success, the mushroom farm has also become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the tunnels and learn about the unique mushroom-growing process. The farm has also been featured in several television documentaries and news articles, raising awareness of the innovative agricultural practices being used in China.
The success of the Zhejiang Bali mushroom farm demonstrates the potential for using high-speed rail lines for agricultural purposes. By utilizing the space along the tracks, farmers can create new and sustainable sources of food production, while also promoting rural development and tourism.
The farm is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of Chinese farmers, who are constantly finding new and innovative ways to meet the growing demand for food in China and around the world. As the high-speed rail network in China continues to expand, it is likely that we will see more and more such innovative agricultural projects in the future..
