The long stems and leaves of the water bamboo provide shelter for ducks. [Photo/WeChat account: jinyunfabu001]

The water bamboo and duck co-cultivation system in Jinyun county, administered by Lishui in East China's Zhejiang province, recently applied for recognition as a China Important Agricultural Heritage System, local media reported.

Jinyun is a traditional agricultural county and its water bamboo and duck industries have been developing for more than 700 years, during which time its water bamboo and duck co-cultivation system was formed.

The stems and leaves of water bamboo are about 2-3 meters high, and in summer, they can block the scorching sun for ducks, allowing the ducks to enjoy the coolness of the fields and eat pests, provide protection for the growth of water bamboo.

The mutual reliance of water bamboo and ducks on each other has created a sustainable and environmentally friendly farming system that increases the incomes of local farmers.

There are currently about 6,700 hectares of farmland that cultivate water bamboo and ducks at the same time in Jinyun. The farms have helped the per capita disposable income of rural permanent residents in the county maintain a high growth rate for the past 12 years.