Returning migrant workers drive local agricultural development

Oranges from Yan Tianpeng's orchard enter harvest season. [Photo/Kaiyang release]

In recent years, Zhaiji township in Kaiyang county is encouraging migrant workers to start businesses in their hometown in an effort to achieve agricultural modernization.

Yan Tianpeng from the township's Guanzhuang village is one such returning migrant worker.

The 30-year-old Yan has operated an orchard since he quit his job in East China's Zhejiang province in 2016.

After many investigative trips, Yan found that Guanzhuang village's high temperature, sufficient sunlight and rich soil trace elements were very suitable for planting citrus.

In his orchard, he has planted 100 mu (6.67 hectares) of "Youliang" citrus and 200 mu of "Hongmeiren" oranges, as well as 1,000 mu of raspberry and 100 mu of "Fengtang" plums.

Oranges from Yan Tianpeng's orchard are sweet and juicy. [Photo/Kaiyang release]

After four years of cultivation, Yan's 100-mu of oranges are finally ready for harvest in September, and are expected to bring in a substantial income.

While making a fortune for himself, Yan also employs local villagers to work on his orchard.

"I mainly do weeding and fertilizing work in the orchard every day. The salary is about 100 yuan ($15) per day," said Zhou Quansu, a local villager.

"I can both earn money and take care of my family," Zhou added.

Over a four-year period, Yan has paid around 200,000 yuan to employees.