Farmers harvest Polygonum capitatum that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Qianxi county in Guizhou province has turned to traditional Chinese medicine to help its people get rid of poverty.

In the past, agricultural products planted in Qianxi's Xinfa village could hardly survive the harsh environment due to stony desertification and soil erosion.

The village has made great efforts in controlling water and soil erosion and building water conservation facilities to improve the fertility of the soil.

Farmers harvest Polygonum capitatum that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

It has also started to plant Polygonum capitatum, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine and has drought resistance, short growth cycles and high economic value.

A total of 86 hectares of Polygonum capitatum has been planted this year, and the more than 200 villagers working at the plantation can make 80 yuan ($12) per day.

Polygonum capitatum that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]