Shanxi Changzhi Military Sub-Command Transforms Green Garlic Sprouts into Golden Harvest

In the greenhouse sheds of Xindian Village, Qin County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, rows of fragrant garlic sprouts fill the air. Farmers and militia members work together in an orderly manner, harvesting, sorting, and bundling the produce. Soon, bundles of fresh garlic sprouts are loaded onto trucks destined for nearby markets.

"This batch of garlic sprouts hit the market just before the Spring Festival and has been very popular," said Yang Fan, the village Party secretary, visibly pleased with the harvest. "Thanks to the military sub-command's guidance in adjusting our agricultural focus, we’ve had a prosperous year."

The success did not come easily. Xindian Village, located in the mountainous Taihang region, has limited arable land. In 2021, the Changzhi Military Sub-Command partnered with the village to support rural revitalization, initially promoting the cultivation of morel mushrooms. While this effort boosted both collective and individual incomes, challenges emerged as expanded production led to falling prices, and continuous monocropping caused soil degradation.

"Industrial support must adapt to market changes," explained personnel from the military sub-command. "It's like adjusting tactics during a military operation—timing is critical." After thorough research, they identified garlic sprouts as an ideal alternative: short growth cycle, low management costs, stable market demand, and strong economic returns. The crop also fit seamlessly into the existing greenhouse infrastructure.

With collective decision-making, the village shifted to garlic sprout cultivation. The military sub-command assisted by selecting high-quality seeds and arranging for agricultural experts to provide hands-on training. On the morning of March 6, militia members joined farmers in the greenhouses, helping manage the busy harvest season.

"When villagers were stretched thin, the county People’s Armed Forces Department organized militia support, which was a timely help," Yang Fan noted. Thanks to distributors coordinated by the military sub-command, the "green garlic sprouts" have turned into "golden sprouts," promising another year of abundant harvest.