Xingyi, in Qianxinan prefecture, plans to build a production base for high-quality fruits, with a total area of 200,000 mu (13,333.33 hectares).

Pomegranates, Haizi pears, and plums will occupy areas each measuring 50,000 mu, and lemons, loquats, mangos, and plantains will occupy areas each measuring 10,000 mu.

The seeds of Haizi pears and plums await planting at the production base. [Photo by Chen Yongxian/www.ldqxn.com]

The production base is part of the government's long-term efforts to lift local residents out of poverty and increase incomes.

Pomegranates, Haizi pears, and plums used to be very popular with fruit suppliers in other areas. But due to various factors, farmers stopped growing them around 2010.

In recent years, Xingyi farmers have grown corn, although this has proven to be unprofitable. As a result, the local government has been encouraging local farmers to grow fruit.

The production base started construction on Jan 17 and it's estimated that within five years, the hillsides of towns and regions across Xingyi city will be covered with various types of fruit trees.

A plantation base for loquats in Nakong. [Photo by Chen Yongxian/www.ldqxn.com]

Information boards at a mango production base in Wairan village. [Photo by Chen Yongxian/www.ldqxn.com]

Fu Yong, the leader of the project, is photographed next to a lemon tree. [Photo by Chen Yongxian/www.ldqxn.com]