As July ends, the grape vines in Zilai village, Wangcang county, are laden with ripe grapes. Only 37 kilometers from central Guangyuan, the Yichen fruit planting cooperative's 50-mu (3.3-hectare) vineyard buzzes with activity as farmers pick, sort, and pack the juicy grapes under clear skies.

The grapes flourish through careful cultivation. Grown organically using cow manure and oil cake, they are managed with remote advice from provincial agriculture specialists. Big data enhances the regulation of irrigation, sunlight, and pest control, supported by drip irrigation and bird deterrents. Each juicy berry, coated with natural bloom, has over 18 percent sugar. Certified by 19 pesticide tests and free from preservatives, they are safe to consume fresh from the vine.

A local girl is busy picking juicy grapes. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

The vineyard has also boosted local employment. Villagers who once worked far from home now find jobs nearby. Mao Yonglian, 51, left migrant work to join the team, securing a steady income while caring for her family. Li Aijun, 54, trained as a fruit-thinning technician with official backing, has established a stable life here.

In total, the vineyard has generated thousands of workdays, distributed 1.05 million yuan ($144,000) in wages, and encouraged over 260 households to engage in specialty farming.

This year's harvest is expected to be profitable, with earnings forecasted to surpass 1 million yuan. As evening falls, the vineyard echoes with farmers' laughter and songs, symbolizing the thriving "sweet economy" that brings prosperity to Guangyuan's rural area.