A close-up of the jade white fungus. [Photo/the official news website of Taizhou]

A jade white fungus cultivation base operated by Taizhou Baiyuan Agricultural Technology in Xianju county, Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, recently entered scaled production, combining advanced agricultural technology with diversified operations to raise farm income and expand the local edible fungus sector.

The jade white fungus is a newly bred variety of white fungus. It was selected by a research team led by Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Li Yu and is known for its higher dietary fiber content than black fungus. Xianju introduced the technology in recent years, working with the academician team through the county's agricultural extension system to establish standardized cultivation and move toward industrial production.

At the base, intelligent temperature control, automatic weather stations, and mist spraying systems form a smart agriculture network that adjusts conditions in real time. A hanging bag cultivation model avoids occupying farmland and enables three to four harvests each year.

The base has progressed to independent research and production, using liquid inoculation techniques to improve quality consistency. Six greenhouses are now in operation, with expected annual output of 250 metric tons and output value exceeding 10 million yuan ($1.41 million).

In addition to fresh sales, the company is developing processed products such as canned and dried fungus, while planning cooperative models with nearby farmers and educational experience programs for students. A technology-driven jade white fungus value chain is gradually taking shape in Xianju.