Plum harvest expected to drive rural economy

By Tan Maolin, Yichang Three Gorges International Communication Studio

Yichang's orchards are buzzing with activity as its rural areas welcome the plum harvest season. At the Laide Agriculture Crisp Plum Base in Gudong Village, Xingshan County, verdant plum trees blanket the slopes, and farmers are seen tending to the ripe fruit, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

"Since the plum base was set up, I've been working here, from tending to the trees to harvesting the fruit. It's a livelihood that brings in over 10,000 yuan (US$1,379) and allows me to look after my family – much better than my previous migrant worker job in faraway big cities," said Wan Nenggao, a 63-year-old fruit farmer.

Farmers in Gudong Village packing plums.

Spanning 540 mu (36 hectares), the Laide Agriculture Crisp Plum Base has seen a marked improvement in the quality of Xingshan plums, thanks to collaborative efforts with Huazhong Agricultural University and the Three Gorges Vocational and Technical College. The fruits now boast thinner skins, deeper yellow flesh, and a satisfying crunch. Having achieved green food certification in 2023, this year the plums earned organic food status. This has led to a significant expansion of the plum-growing industry, with over 1,000 mu now under cultivation, benefiting more than 100 farming families.

In the Xingshan County Plum Industry Association's communal warehouse, the day's harvest of plums creates a bustling scene as workers sort, package, and prepare the fruit for market. Cartons labeled "Zhaojun Rainforest" are set to be shipped to cities such as Dalian and Wuhan, ensuring a fresh taste that lasts for over 20 days.

"Our team of over 10 keeps the operation running smoothly. In peak season, we pack over 400 boxes daily, shipping out over 1,000 kilogram of plums to customers far and wide. We bring in extra workers to help when demands surge," explained Wei Yanlu, a packaging worker at Laide Agriculture.

Meanwhile, Hongli Manor in Hekou Township, Yuan'an County, is celebrating its own harvest. The 1,120-mu estate is a sea of red plums, attracting visitors eager to purchase the fruit and enjoy a farmer’s lunch or dinner on-site. Wu Hongju, the visionary behind Hongli Manor, traded city life for a rural renaissance, harnessing the area's natural wealth to drive personal and community economic growth.

The red plums thrive in the fertile soil, bask in the region's abundant sunlight, and benefit from the high altitude, resulting in a fruit of exceptional quality and distinctive flavor that has captured the market.

Hongli Manor's operations have flourished over the years. In 2017, the first year of harvest, it yielded over 100,000 kilograms of red plums, grossing more than 500,000 yuan. The village leadership has fostered collective economic growth by expanding red plum cultivation to 620 mu through a "base + cooperative + farmer" model. The newly established cooperative is projected to generate over 200,000 yuan in revenue for the village.

Moreover, Hongli Manor provides seasonal work for over 100 locals across jobs such as harvesting, weed mat laying, pruning, and fertilizing.

To fuel business growth, Hongli Manor has revamped its restaurant and introduced a new catering service this year. "Since reopening earlier this year, we've had a steady stream of guests, with daily reservations consistently filling at least three tables," Wu reports.