Quzhou in Zhejiang province has made significant strides in increasing farmers' incomes, a key focus of China's rural development efforts, by carrying out innovative initiatives aimed at narrowing income disparities and promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–25), Quzhou's rural residents have seen an average annual income growth of 7.7 percent, outpacing urban income growth by 1.5 percentage points and narrowing the urban-rural income ratio from 1.88 to 1.75.
Quzhou has capitalized on its unique resources to develop its agricultural sector, transforming local specialties into lucrative products and increasing farmers' incomes.
Rural tourism thrives in Quzhou. [Photo/Tide News]
The rapid growth of the Huyou tangelo and yuzu industry in Changshan county exemplifies this success. By 2025, the industry's value is expected to reach over 7.40 billion yuan ($1.07 billion), quadrupling since 2020.
Quzhou emphasizes skill development, helping farmers transition from labor-intensive work to skilled employment. Training programs have equipped thousands with new skills, enabling them to earn higher wages. The "Quzhou Nanny" initiative, for example, has trained 367 domestic workers, with many earning average monthly salaries of 12,000 yuan.
Quzhou has also focused on activating idle rural resources and fostering collective growth. By integrating agriculture, cultural tourism, and services, the city has created new income avenues for farmers. For instance, 13 villages including Diwei have pooled resources to invest in local industries such as fish farming, significantly boosting collective economic income.
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