Mulao gives big push to poverty alleviation

Farmers pick gold pomelos in the poverty alleviation demonstration zone for the ecological gold pomelo industry in Luocheng's Mulao autonomous county, Hechi. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The poverty alleviation demonstration zone for the ecological gold pomelo industry in Luocheng's Mulao autonomous county, Hechi has seen a good harvest this November.

Located in Tianbao village, Longan town, the demonstration zone was established in 1995 with a total gold pomelo planting area of 2,080 mu (138.67 hectares). Its products, with a registered brand as Luocheng Jinyuyou (Luocheng Gold Pomelo), have enjoyed a wide market in China.

The zone had gone through a deep drop in production years ago due to reasons like improper management and outdated technology.

An agricultural technological development company named Junhong in Luocheng county was then introduced to settle down in the zone, setting up a specialized cooperative. With the guidance of relevant scientific research institutions, the zone has increased its production by applying modern agricultural techniques, such as green prevention and control technology, tree pruning, as well as integrated water and fertilizer technology.

In addition, the zone has contributed greatly to poverty alleviation efforts, employing about 600 impoverished people from nearby towns to work in the zone for duties including picking and pruning.

"The pomelo farm in the zone employed 49 impoverished households to manage and protect the farm early in 1995," said Luo Gaojian, person in charge of the farm.

Luo added that the farm has built houses with basic facilities such as restrooms and a kitchen for them to improve their quality of life.

A regular income of three yuan ($0.43) for taking care of each pomelo tree is given for workers, and additional bonuses in proportion to the overall production are also available.

Currently, a total of 420 impoverished people from 84 households have signed service agreements with the zone, achieving long-term stable employment.

The zone has offered training in practical skills like planting, picking, packaging, and marketing for groups of impoverished people.

"This year's pomelo is of high quality and my net income is expected to exceed 50,000 yuan," said Lu Daifu, who comes from a poverty-stricken family in Longan town.

In 2018, the production of gold pomelos in the zone reached over 1.8 million kilograms, with an output value of 7.3 million yuan, according to a person in charge of the zone.

It is expected that the production in 2019 will amount to 2.5 million kg, with overall income reaching more than 10 million yuan, lifting 480 people from 120 households out of poverty.