Fruit farmers harvest a prosperous future

In recent years, Yichang has focused on developing their fruit plantations. More than 200,000 mu (13,333 hectares) is now being used to grow fruit, with annual outputs of over 300,000 tonnes and total revenue reaching above 4 billion yuan (US$546.6 million).


"This is the second year that figs and crisp plums are being harvested, and  the 400 mu of land where they’re grown has brought in more than 800,000 yuan," said Qiao Yunming, general manager of Xingshan Laoyanling Tourism Development Co., Ltd.

The company first started to build a fruit plantation in 2018 and at present now grows six varieties of fruits, including figs, crispy plums, apple-persimmons and cherries. They have found success in selling all across the country.

"Next, we plan to further improve the quality of fruit and develop fruit-picking and leisure tourism. By 2025, the fruit output is expected to reach 350 tonnes, with an output value of about 3 million yuan," said Qiao.

The Yichang government has provided the farmers with support in many areas, from drafting a development plan, improving quality and building brands for local fruits.

The Yichang Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau has planned a series of experimental demonstration bases and projects based on the city’s natural resources and current development stage.

The city’s citrus industry possesses a large scale and complete industrial chain. Given that different fruit ripens at different times throughout the year, people are able to find fresh fruit year-round.

At the same time, the city is stepping up its efforts to promote agriculture-related tourism, such as fruit-picking trips, to boost both travel income and fruit sales.

In addition, the city is also expanding its fruit varieties as well as increasing quality. There are now hundreds of varieties of “unusual” fruits, such as red kiwifruits, yellow peaches, sand pears, green plums, grapes and loquats. The farmers are using advanced techniques, including integration of water and fertilizer as well as green pest control, to ensure quality.

What's more, the city is focusing on building brands for local fruits. "Anfusi Yellow Peach,” "Bailizhou Sand Pear,” "Wuduhe Kiwi" and a number of local brands are gaining recognition and attracting customers both near and far.