By outdoor-nature-child.com In a recent interview, Zhang Sanzhong, the Party Secretary of the Xiakou Community in Xunjian Town, Hubei Province, shared insights about the booming citrus industry in the region. On October 13, he explained, “The overseas citrus consumption market is gradually maturing.” Xunjian Town exports around 180 million pounds of citrus each year, generating an approximate production value of 200 million RMB and contributing about 300,000 USD in foreign exchange.
As we walked through the citrus orchards, a small train loaded with freshly picked oranges weaved through the mountains, highlighting the town’s vibrant agricultural scene. Citrus fruits from Xunjian are now making their mark in international markets, resonating with consumers as far away as Russia, South Korea, and Japan.
What sets the Xunjian citrus apart in the global market? According to Zhang, the town is nestled amidst the scenic Jingshan Mountains, creating an ideal highland basin with a climate that fosters the growth of sweet and slightly thicker-skinned oranges that are perfect for export. Local farmer Qin Liqiong, who has been growing citrus for over 20 years, shared her experience: “My orchard produces nearly 300,000 pounds of fruit each year, and when the fruit is ripe, our cooperative arranges for dedicated workers to harvest and pack it. We never worry about selling it.”
Qin’s success story represents the broader narrative of wealth generation through citrus farming in Xunjian. The town’s journey began in the 1970s and 1980s when it introduced 60,000 citrus seedlings to local farmers for free. Over the years, what started as a small initiative has evolved into a thriving industry.
Technological advancements and an extended supply chain have significantly boosted both the ecological and economic benefits of citrus farming in Xunjian. The integration of a monorail train and drones has doubled transportation efficiency in the fields, allowing even slightly imperfect fruit to be processed into canned goods, thereby minimizing waste. Furthermore, the establishment of an academic expert workstation in Nanzhang has provided ongoing guidance for citrus production, including the creation of technical manuals and training sessions for farmers.
In recent years, Xunjian has enhanced its agricultural value by transforming the area into a vibrant tourist destination. The integration of citrus picking experiences with the picturesque backdrop of ancient villages and reservoirs has further enriched the cultural and tourism values of the citrus industry.
Zhang noted, “We’re seeing a rise in tourists coming to experience citrus picking, which offers new opportunities for our local economy.” He also shared his excitement about the upcoming logistics park, which is set to enhance the visibility of the local citrus brand through initiatives such as picking tourism and live-streaming commerce, thereby firmly rooting Xunjian’s citrus in international markets.