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A farmer sorts cocoons. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

In Tongyuan town, Haiyan county, Jiaxing, a revolution in sericulture is taking place.

Zhu Chunjun, leader of the Minghe Sericulture Cooperative, beams with pride as his baskets of colored cocoons fetch a record-breaking 208 yuan ($28.66) per kilogram. 

This year, the cooperative's innovative approach has led to the breeding of 198 sheets of silkworm eggs and the purchase of 10,900 kg of cocoons, destined to become high-value crafts and silk quilts for a demanding market.

Haiyan's sericulture roots run deep, with a history dating back to the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However, the industry faced decline as industrial structures shifted. 

Zhu's cooperative reinvigorated the industry in 2019 by uniting local farmers to produce superior cocoons. The introduction of the "golden cocoon" variety in 2020, with its golden-yellow silk, marked a turning point, offering higher yields and market prices.

The latest breakthrough, color silkworms, produce silk in a spectrum of hues, eliminating the need for dyeing and reducing environmental impact. These cocoons have captured the attention of eco-conscious consumers worldwide.

Chu Huifen, a cooperative member, likens her silkworms to "golden babies", with her spring harvest of colored cocoons bringing in a substantial income. The cooperative's focus on quality has led to a surge in demand, with Zhu now eyeing educational collaborations to ensure the tradition thrives for generations to come.