Huaxi's Qingyan town makes head way in industrial poverty alleviation

When it comes to poverty alleviation work, Qingyan town in Guiyang, capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province, has chosen to focus on industrial poverty alleviation – selecting a leading industry for each village based on local conditions.

Back in 2019, local authorities decided to build a 33.33-hectare demonstration vegetable farm in Siqian village – taking advantage of the settlement's surrounding environment. The farm's success has relied heavily on scientific planting, brand development and seeking new sales opportunities.

Villagers harvest vegetables at the demonstration vegetable farm in Siqian village, Huaxi district. [Photo/gog.cn]

The construction of the Siqian vegetable farm has provided jobs for more than 500 households made up of more than 2,000 people, including 10 poor households comprised of 41 people.

Longjing village enjoys a storied history of 500 years and was selected as a "beautiful leisure village" in China in 2019. The same year, Qingyan town planned to build a "happy farm" and cherry tomato grove in the village.

At the end of June each year, tourists can visit the Longjing farm and pick fruits and vegetables while appreciating the customs of the Bouyei ethnic group.

The cherry tomatoes produced in Huaxi district's Longjing village are known for their delicious taste. [Photo/gog.cn]

 At present, Qingyan town has selected fruit trees, flowers and seedlings, vegetables, forest trees and edible fungi as its leading industries.

 "We will invite relevant experts to provide technical guidance and training to the villagers, and take the initiative to connect with supermarkets and merchants in scenic spots to sell the products," said Sun Guoshun, secretary of the political and legal committee of Qingyan town.

In the future, Qingyan town aims to make good use of the large number of tourists that visit Qingyan Ancient Town – a 5A scenic spot – and increase the added value of other industries through integration of agriculture, further helping to alleviate poverty.