Fengshan develops agricultural planting, processing industry to boost rural revitalization

According to local conditions, Hechi's Fengshan county developed its agricultural production and processing industries such as walnut, camellia oil, and star anise, which has effectively promoted rural revitalization and increased farmers' income achieving a win-win situation in both ecological and economic benefits.

Since 2000, Fengshan has started to vigorously develop its walnut industry according to local conditions. Up to now, the county has planted 340,000 mu (22,666.7 hectares) of walnuts. After years of careful management, last year, 210,000 mu of walnuts in the county entered a high-yielding period, with an output of more than 20,000 metric tons and an output value of more than 300 million yuan ($47 million). "Fengshan Walnut" has also obtained the registration of agricultural geographical indication protection of the Ministry of Agriculture.

A farmer picks up camellia oil fruits at Fengshan county, autumn 2021. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

In recent years, Fengshan county has vigorously developed the camellia oil industry, expanding orchard areas and improving its quality. Up to now, the county has 360,000 mu of camellia oil orchards. In order to extend the industrial chain and increase added value, the county promoted the construction of a core demonstration zone for the camellia oil industry, and encouraged enterprises to increase investment and purchase advanced equipment. In 2021, the county produced more than 10,000 tons of camellia seeds, with an output value of 350 million yuan.

Fengshan has rich soil which is suitable for planting star anise. Since 2001, the county increased its planting scale for the star anise industry. In order to further encourage local people to develop the star anise industry, during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), the county issued a number of industrial support policies and gave subsidies to farmers. Up to now, the planting area of star anise in the county has reached 220,000 mu with output reaching more than 8,000 tons and more than 96 million yuan of output value in 2021.