Transforming Fields into Prosperity: The Success of Bean Farming in Jinggu
Jinggu Dai and Yi Autonomous County in China’s Yunnan Province has tapped into its natural advantages to revolutionize winter agriculture. The village of Shuiping, nestled in Zhengxing Town, has become a hub for bean farming, with crops such as string beans, oil beans, and broad beans flourishing during the harvest season. Farmers here are reaping the benefits of short growth cycles and strong market demand.
One such farmer, Diao Xingwen, who planted just over an acre of string beans, reported earning over 6,000 yuan within 50 days of planting. “The buyers teach us planting techniques and even collect the produce at our doorsteps,” she explained, highlighting the convenience and support that has made bean farming a lucrative venture.
From Tobacco Fields to Bean Markets
Shuiping Village utilizes its abundant sunlight and warmth, coupled with an average altitude of 1,500 meters, to create ideal conditions for winter crops. Farmers often plant beans immediately after harvesting flue-cured tobacco, ensuring efficient use of land year-round. Zhang Chaode, a farmer who grew six acres of tobacco and later planted oil beans, shared that his combined income from both crops exceeded 9,000 yuan per acre.
The village’s centralized marketplace further boosts efficiency. Every afternoon, the local basketball court transforms into a bustling bean market, where farmers arrive with motorbikes, tractors, and three-wheelers loaded with produce. Buyers weigh, package, and transport the beans directly from the court, creating a streamlined process that keeps prices competitive.
Scaling the Bean Industry
This year, Shuiping Village cultivated over 300 acres of beans across 80 households, with an expected output value surpassing 2 million yuan. The village’s Party Secretary, Yang Zhonggui, noted that beans are an excellent crop due to their short production cycle, high yields, and good market prices. Importantly, they do not compete with staple crops or tobacco for land, making them a practical choice for maximizing land use in the autumn and winter seasons.
Strategic Development and Rural Prosperity
Jinggu County has strategically leveraged its geographic advantages to boost rural development. Alongside beans, farmers have also embraced tobacco and tea, forming a diversified agricultural base that drives year-round income. This multi-crop approach supports rural revitalization by reducing idle farmland during off-seasons and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
The bean industry in Shuiping Village is a testament to the potential of targeted agricultural development. By integrating efficient crop rotation, market accessibility, and technical support, farmers are achieving higher incomes and improving their quality of life. This model of agricultural innovation serves as a blueprint for rural communities seeking sustainable growth and economic resilience.
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