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Chen Huichun, a deputy to the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress from Jiaxing and director of Fengqiao Taohuayuan Farm in Fengqiao town, Nanhu district, shared her story of transforming the local peach industry into a driving force for prosperity during the fourth session of the 14th Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress on Jan 15.

Chen Huichun. [Photo/WeChat account: jx-sfl]

After graduating from university in 2010, Chen returned to her hometown to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, Chen and Fengqiao residents have transformed the traditional water peach into a high-end brand. 

By collaborating with major wholesale fruit markets, they have shifted from selling peaches by weight to selling them individually, a shift that has increased market value and raised farmers' incomes. Currently, Fengqiao's peach planting area spans 500 hectares, with an annual output value of 120 million yuan ($17 million), benefiting over 2,000 residents.

A close-up of Fengqiao town's water peach. [Photo/WeChat account: jx-sfl]

Chen has also embraced digital tools, setting up an online team to teach farmers e-commerce skills. In 2025, her farm sold more than 2 million yuan worth of peaches through livestreaming, increasing the selling price by more than 30 percent.