The golden waves of rice and the fragrance of melons and fruits paint a gorgeous harvest picture on the vast fields.
As October unfolds in China, we’re witnessing a vibrant tapestry of colors across the harvest fields. From the golden waves of rice to the delightful fragrance of fruits, the landscape is alive with activity, and the joy of harvest is evident on every farmer’s face. According to recent reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the national autumn grain harvest has reached its peak, surpassing 40% completion, slightly ahead of last year’s pace.
**Terraced Fields of Abundance: A Harvest Scene in Guangxi**
In Baisha Township, located in the Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County of Guangxi, the terraced rice fields—once abandoned mines—are now primed for harvest. As the breeze sways the ripe rice stalks, it paints a vivid picture of rural life. From an aerial view, the sun-drenched terraces appear as a spectacular piece of art, accompanied by the sounds of harvesters collecting the golden bounty.
This picturesque setting isn’t just for aesthetics; the striking combination of golden terraces and distant wind turbines has drawn many tourists eager to capture this beautiful moment. In recent years, Fuchuan has pioneered a model blending land restoration, ecology, and agriculture. By fully utilizing reclaimed mining sites and implementing initiatives for soil and water management, the once-barren landscape has blossomed into a high-yield rice terrace. This transformation not only revitalizes the local environment but also boosts tourism, enhances farmer incomes, and contributes to rural revitalization.
**A Bountiful Water Chestnut Harvest During the National Holiday**
During the National Day holiday, thousands of acres of water chestnuts in Huoqiu, Anhui, are experiencing an abundant harvest. Workers are diligently collecting the tender water chestnuts, reveling in the season’s bounty. Each morning, these workers wade through the waterlogged fields, skillfully slicing through broad leaves to gather plump water chestnuts. With consumer demand peaking during the holiday, many workers are putting in about 10 hours daily.
As boats filled with water chestnuts come ashore, the harvest is swiftly packaged and dispatched to local processing centers. After sorting, cleaning, and packaging, these water chestnuts will be marketed online and offline across the country. Huoqiu has harnessed its water resources to cultivate a green, efficient industry, significantly benefiting local farmers. Currently, the area boasts over 30,000 acres of water chestnut farms, generating a production value exceeding 100 million yuan. Nearly ten professional cooperatives support hundreds of households, transforming this simple water chestnut into a profitable crop.
**A Busy Peach Season in Henan: Local Farmers Thrive**
Recently, the 50,000 acres of peaches in Tongbai County, Henan, have reached ripeness. Farmers are capitalizing on the clear weather to pick, transport, and sell their peaches. At the Guangwu Village plantation, the hills are heavy with ripe peaches as growers hurriedly pick, sort, and load their harvest onto trucks. These peaches are distinctive because they have a later harvest season, typically beginning in late September and extending into November.
Tongbai County currently cultivates over 50,000 acres dedicated to peaches, featuring six varieties and yielding around 120,000 tons annually.
**Sweet Winter Peaches in Chongqing: A Record-Breaking Harvest**
While peach farmers in Henan are celebrating their success, winter peaches in Wuxi County, Chongqing, are also reaping a fruitful harvest. Following a warm autumn, these winter peaches are expected to be sweeter than usual. At a farm in Fengling Town, lush trees hang heavy with fruit as farmers busily harvest and prepare them for domestic and international markets.
These winter peaches, originally from Shandong Province, have adapted well to Chongqing’s optimal sunlight and soil, achieving sweetness levels averaging 18 to 20 degrees. With this year’s hot and dry climate, farmers anticipate a yield comparable to last year’s, estimating a production value of nearly 80 million yuan.
**Peanut Harvest in Hebei: Embracing Mechanization for Efficiency**
In Wuqiao County, Cangzhou, farmers are eagerly harvesting peanuts across thousands of acres. Agricultural machinery whirs through the fields, increasing harvesting efficiency. In recent years, Wuqiao County has innovated collaborative models for village and community development through a “supply and marketing cooperative + village party branch + farmers” approach. This strategy has encouraged large-scale planting via land transfer and management, boosting farmers’ incomes and agricultural productivity. In 2024, over 26,000 acres of land will be managed collectively, supporting the growth of contract-based peanut cultivation across more than 30 villages.