Citrus industry proves successful in Kaiyang

A volunteer helps pick ponkan, a kind of citrus, at a local orchard in Nanlong township. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]

Nanlong township in Kaiyang county is a typical traditional agricultural township. In recent years, leveraging its advantageous natural conditions in terms of altitude, climate, and soil, the township has been guiding villagers to develop the citrus industry.

There have been continuous efforts to strengthen technical guidance and management. Citrus cultivation has gradually transitioned from being small and scattered with weak development to the current contiguous areas and rapid development.

To date, Nanlong township has planted over 2,200 mu (146.67 hectares) of excellent tangerine and honey orange varieties. When the citrus fruits mature each year, agricultural tourism income can reach as high as 10 million yuan ($1.40 million), leading to an average income increase of over 30,000 yuan per household in the local community.

Wang Guangjun and his wife, who are local villagers, have been cultivating citrus for over 20 years. They are among the first citrus growers in Zhongqiao village in Nanlong township.

The current citrus cultivation area at their home has exceeded 20 mu, becoming the main income source for the family.

Moving forward, Nanlong township will continuously strengthen industrial integration, diversify citrus varieties, enhance farmers' citrus production skills, and focus on both the "enjoying the scenery and picking fruits" market and the high-quality citrus market in supermarkets in an effort to further develop the citrus industry.