Wasted straw in fields is being turned into wealth through the efforts of Tongzhou district, increasing incomes for local farmers. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Nantong Fengkai Biotechnology Co Ltd, based in Shigang town, Tongzhou district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, installed two domestically leading production lines to turn wasted straw into dairy cattle feed in two villages in Tongzhou at the beginning of this year.

"We crush the straw and add microbial strains for fermentation to turn it into feed for cattle," said Ding Liming, general manager of Fengkai Biotechnology. "Due to their good palatability and high absorptivity, our products are favored by many large enterprises."

According to Ding, the company has established a partnership with Modern Farming, Mengniu Dairy and Ning Shing (Holding) Co Ltd.

In the past, straw was piled up or incinerated in fields, causing air pollution and seriously affecting agricultural production during harvest season. Rather than banning this practice directly, Tongzhou district has been looking for new ways to utilize straw, such as turning it into feed or weaving it into straw ropes.

The process of turning wasted straw into wealth has also resulted in the creation of a new occupation – straw agent. These agents buy straw from farmers and then sell it in bulk to enterprises in need, creating both economic and social benefits.