Luocheng strawberry farms boost rural vitalization

The strawberries in the strawberry farms in Zhongcun village, Siba town, Luocheng Mulam autonomous county, Hechi, have matured and are attracting many tourists to come fruit picking, take colorful photos and play in the strawberry fields.

Qiu Pingguang, a farmer in Zhongcun village, said that he has been growing strawberries in his own field for six years. He and another villager are currently planting strawberries on a plot of land that is nearly 20 mu (1.3 hectares). The income per mu is expected to reach 20,000 yuan ($2,866).

"Although growing strawberries is a bit harder, the income is several times more than the income from cultivating other fruits, and now the quality of life is much better than before," Qiu said.

In recent years, Luocheng has adopted the model of combining agriculture and tourism. Luocheng is now planting pesticide-free strawberries, new varieties of grapes and other fruits according to local conditions, as well as opening up rural tourism projects such as farm picking experiences and ecological farmhouses. These efforts have broadened the channels for farmers to increase their income, and help the development of rural vitalization.

Tourists pick strawberries in the strawberry farm in Zhongcun village. [Photo/China News Service]