The operating income of the collective economies in 19 villages topped 1 million yuan ($140,000) each last year, according to local authorities in Jingjiang city, located in East China's Jiangsu province.
The villages accounted for more than 30 percent of the city's 58 villages lifted out of poverty during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).
"Our village's operating income exceeded 1 million yuan last year. It was the first time we realized such a 'million-yuan-level' dream," said Sun Jingbo, Party chief of Qinfeng village. As a result, the village now has a new outlook and raised expectations about the future.
A view of Qinfeng village in Jingjiang city. [Photo/zhjjwx.jsjjw.cn]
As the second village in Gushan town to achieve this goal, Qinfeng is exploring new ways to increase the income of its collective and plans to sell its signature farm produce through live streaming.
Qinfeng used to be a typical agricultural village with a meager collective income. After stepping out of poverty in 2019, it launched a labor service company the following year – offering maintenance of public facilities and greenery to a local agricultural demonstration park.
The local government also guided villages to share contracted labor services, which not only enhanced the collective economy but also increased individual villagers' incomes.
Since 2021, Jingjiang has undertaken various measures to strengthen and develop its village-level collective economy. It encourages village collectives and enterprises to carry out projects and helps them solve their financial difficulties and land use problems with supportive policies.