Xishuiqu Village, Gaoliu Town, Qingzhou City: Organic Recycling Leading the Construction of Beautiful and Ecological New Rural Areas

In Xishuiqu Village, Gaoliu Town, Qingzhou City, Shandong Province, a rural revitalization strategy centered on environmental protection and sustainable development is showcasing its effectiveness. Under the leadership of the first village secretary, Li Deguo, the village has pioneered an environmentally friendly and efficient replicable rural development model following the pathway "Integrated environmental sanitation → Garbage sorting → Waste to fertilizer → Soil improvement → Enhancement of agricultural product quality → Increase in villagers' income → Strengthening of the village collective economy → Beautification of the village and prosperity of its industries."

The core of this development model is the recycling and reuse of kitchen waste and agricultural residues. Xishuiqu Village, by introducing advanced aerobic fermentation technology, mixes manure with crushed straw and carries out natural fermentation at 75°C in fermenters. This process not only kills harmful microorganisms but also transforms the waste into high-quality organic fertilizer containing 65% organic matter, significantly exceeding the national standard of 50% organic matter content. This transformation of waste into organic fertilizer effectively prevents soil structure damage and the decline in agricultural product quality caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, achieving harmless disposal of organic materials and resource utilization of organic waste.

This innovative practice in Xishuiqu Village has not only optimized soil structure and enhanced the quality of agricultural products but also provided a solid industrial foundation for the modernization of agriculture and rural areas. Moreover, the construction of new greenhouses, wide roads, improved irrigation and drainage channels, and electrical facilities showcase the preliminary form of a standardized, mechanized, and intelligent modern agricultural park.

In recent years, through the practice of improving human living environments, Xishuiqu Village has implemented a series of innovative measures, including integrated water and toilet renovation and comprehensive utilization of manure and straw, significantly improving the village's infrastructure and residents' living conditions. With 285 households and covering an area of 320 acres, the village has not only improved materially but also made comprehensive progress in ecological environment and socio-economic development.

The success story of Xishuiqu Village fully demonstrates the great potential of recycling kitchen waste and agricultural residues, and its key role in promoting rural ecological beautification, improving the quality of life for farmers, and driving rural economic development. The promotion of this model not only helps more rural areas achieve sustainable development but also provides valuable experience and examples for building ecological civilization and constructing beautiful villages. In the future, Xishuiqu Village will continue to explore and deepen this model, steadily moving towards the goal of an ecologically beautiful and economically prosperous new rural community.

On this path to revitalization, Xishuiqu Village has focused not only on the material foundation of agricultural production and the improvement of the ecological environment but also on the optimization of the rural socio-economic structure and the development of rural culture. Through the recycling of kitchen waste and agricultural residues, the village has achieved dual benefits in ecology and economy, providing more employment opportunities and income sources for villagers. This strategy not only improves villagers' economic income but also enhances their cohesion and centripetal force, promoting harmony and stability in rural society.

To further promote rural revitalization, Xishuiqu Village actively explores connections with external markets, establishing stable sales channels and branded promotions to sell high-quality agricultural products to a broader market. This "from field to table" direct sales model not only increases the added value of agricultural products but also allows consumers to enjoy healthier and safer food. Additionally, the village leverages the internet and e-commerce platforms to conduct online sales, expanding sales channels and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the village collective economy.

In terms of cultural development, Xishuiqu Village focuses on protecting and inheriting rural traditional culture, organizing various cultural activities and festivals to promote local culture and enhance villagers' cultural pride. These activities not only enrich villagers' spiritual lives but also attract tourists, driving the development of rural tourism and related industries, injecting new vitality into the village's diversified development.

In achieving this grand blueprint, Xishuiqu Village understands that continuous education and training are key to enhancing villagers' capabilities and promoting sustainable rural development. Therefore, the village committee collaborates deeply with Weifang Derun Vocational Training School to regularly organize training classes on agricultural technology, environmental protection knowledge, and entrepreneurship guidance, aiming to improve villagers' skill levels and stimulate their innovative spirit and entrepreneurial enthusiasm. These training sessions not only help villagers master modern agricultural technologies but also enhance their environmental awareness, injecting new vitality into the village's green development.

Furthermore, Xishuiqu Village actively explores new agricultural business models, such as establishing agricultural technology demonstration parks, developing specialty agriculture, and leisure agriculture. These initiatives not only enhance the economic benefits of agriculture but also provide villagers with diversified employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Through the practice of these new business models, Xishuiqu Village has successfully transformed the path of agricultural development, transitioning traditional agriculture towards a modernized, multifunctional form.