Chicken raised at a farm owned by Ma Guoqing in Anji county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]

Visionary farmer Ma Guoqing, in his fifties, has achieved huge success by raising chickens in the bamboo forests of Anji county, East China's Zhejiang province.

Ma has built a thriving poultry farm, leasing over 20 mu (around 1.3 hectares) of bamboo-covered mountains in Shangshu township. With an annual sales volume of 400,000 chickens, his farm generates over 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in revenue each year.

Born and raised in Anji, Ma initially started his entrepreneurial journey as a poultry retailer in the local vegetable market, selling chickens and ducks. As his business grew, he recognized the potential of breeding and selling poultry himself.

"Anji's abundant natural resources, including its mountains, rivers, and lakes, make it an ideal location for poultry farming, particularly for bamboo forest chickens. Their exceptional quality and popularity spurred him to seize this opportunity," Ma explained.

In 2003, Ma began selling the bamboo forest chickens he raised at the vegetable market. Although starting small, the chickens quickly earned a well-deserved reputation for their high quality, and demand steadily increased.

In 2007, after years of honing his expertise in poultry breeding, Ma's dream of owning his own farm became a reality. He established the Anji Guoqing Poultry Farm, specializing in poultry breeding, online food sales, and food retail.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Ma uses scientific breeding methods and a free-range farming model within the bamboo forest, ensuring the superior quality of his chicken meat. As market demand continues to soar, Ma not only breeds chickens himself but also procures adult bamboo forest chickens from trusted farmers across various villages in Anji. He has also expanded his team, hiring dedicated employees responsible for breeding and purchasing poultry.

Ma proudly reveals that their bamboo forest chickens are not only available in the local vegetable market but also in agricultural markets in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and other regions. He has established partnerships with more than 40 poultry stores.

Ma Guoqing serves as a shining example of success in Anji county, which continues to solidify its reputation as a prosperous agricultural hub. The region's ability to transform natural resources into economic growth is exemplified by its renowned white tea industry as well as bamboo industry. Now, the growing bamboo forest chicken industry is taking center stage.