In Minqin, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, the arid Gobi Desert presents extreme challenges for agriculture. Seven years ago, Xu Ercai and his wife Chen Ying decided to embark on the ambitious journey of growing vegetables in this harsh environment. Skeptical neighbors viewed their venture as futile due to the severe lack of water.
However, their determination coincided with a transformative rural revitalization strategy launched in 2017. This initiative provided crucial support by establishing a high-efficiency irrigation system tailored to the region's needs.
Today, the couple successfully operates a cooperative that spans 700 hectares, cultivating 12 varieties of vegetables. Their success story not only defies the odds but also serves as a model for sustainable farming in desert regions, illustrating the profound impact of strategic government intervention and innovative agricultural practices.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com