Vegetable base boosts Guiyang's rural vitality

Summer squashes in the base are ready to be harvested. [Photo/Zhizhi Guiyang]

Since the beginning of this year, Guizhou Xihe Agricultural Development Co has transformed over 530 mu (35.33 hectares) of land in Xiaopo village, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, establishing the "Xiaopo Xihe Specialty Vegetable Base".

Equipped with standardized facilities, including drip irrigation and integrated water-fertilizer systems, the base enables precise management of water and nutrients. Scientifically planned crops include 120 mu of summer squash, 50 mu of ginger, 200 mu of peppers, and 130 mu of cauliflower.

Summer squash and cauliflower have been fully harvested, with over 80 workers picking daily. The base supplies 6 metric tons of squash and 2,000 kg of cauliflower per day to the Guiyang market.

This thriving specialty vegetable industry not only provides high-quality produce to markets but also shares development dividends with local villagers. This year, the company has paid 265,000 yuan ($36,964) in land transfer fees and expects to create 16,000 seasonal jobs, generating over 2 million yuan in wage income.

The base's scaled, standardized farming model lays the groundwork for industrial upgrading. The company plans to cultivate vegetables annually across 1,200 mu (on a rotational basis), projecting a yield of over 1,600 tons and an output value of 5.23 million yuan.

Future initiatives will explore integrating agriculture and tourism, such as "vegetable cultivation + sightseeing" and "picking + experiential activities", to extend the industrial chain and enhance added value.