Citrus industry boosts Xifeng's rural incomes

The Guizhou Baorun Original Ecological Agricultural Technology Co has established a 1,023-mu (68.2-hectare) demonstration orchard in Xifeng county, where it set up operations in 2017, helping more than 100 surrounding households to plant over 800 mu of citrus and increasing farmers' incomes by more than 1,500 yuan ($217) per mu.

A local farmer displays juicy citrus. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

The citrus industry has flourished under a model integrating the company, village collective, and farmers, translating pro-agricultural policies into tangible benefits. Through employment opportunities, land transfers, and shareholding dividends, local farmers have achieved diversified income streams, with some households earning more than 60,000 yuan annually.

The company has signed 27-year land transfer agreements with villagers and has paid them guaranteed dividends and performance-based dividends. Dividends have reached 600 yuan per mu in the current harvest year, steadily raising income expectations for rural residents.

In 2025, the base generated over 10,000 job opportunities. Its fruit products were sold in major first-tier cities while expanding through online sales channels, ensuring strong production and marketing performance.

Citrus planting in Xifeng now covers 18,600 mu, while fruit industry bases have expanded to cover 147,000 mu, including grapes, kiwis, plums, and other varieties. The fruit industry now accounts for 25.6 percent of the county’s total agricultural output value, serving as a key driver of rural vitalization and sustained income growth for farmers.