Yan'an Farmers Transform Arid Mountains into Profitable Apple Orchards
Farmers in Yan'an, Shaanxi, have successfully transitioned to high-density, low-tree apple cultivation, significantly boosting yields and income.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, farmers in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province, have successfully converted previously barren mountainous terrain into productive apple orchards. Ma Wenchang, a local farm owner in Yandonggou village, began his transition in 2016. Facing labor shortages due to an aging rural population, he shifted from traditional tall-tree cultivation—which required dangerous ladder work—to a modern, high-density, low-tree system. This new approach incorporates specialized irrigation, organic fertilization, and the introduction of new apple varieties such as Ruixue, Ruixiang, and Venus Gold. The new trees, planted in May of the previous year, have already begun producing fruit this season, yielding approximately 1,750 kilograms per 0.42 rai, generating over 20,000 yuan per unit of land. For residents and travelers interested in agricultural development, this shift highlights how technological integration can revitalize rural economies in challenging environments. While the current yields are promising, the long-term economic impact remains to be confirmed as the orchards reach their full production capacity in the coming years. This transformation serves as a case study for sustainable farming practices in arid, mountainous regions.
