Gaomi pioneers land rights shift in agricultural revamp

In Houxiwang village, Chaigou town, Gaomi, a strategic transformation is taking place, consolidating small plots into larger, more efficient fields. The village is promoting the transfer of land rights to a cooperative directed by the village governor. This cooperative is responsible for the entire crop production process, from plowing and managing to selling, with a focus on staple crops such as wheat and corn.

Farmers in Gaomi operate agricultural harvesters to reap wheat in the fields. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The innovative model sees villagers contributing their land as shares in the cooperative, which in turn distributes its operating income among members based on the number of shares they contributed. This approach has not only benefited the village's economy but also improved individual prosperity. This year, the cooperative reported a wheat yield exceeding 400 kilograms per mu (approximately 26.67 kg per hectare), anticipating an increase in the village's collective income by over 200,000 yuan ($27,538.11).

Agricultural harvesters traverse the golden wheat fields of Gaomi, reaping a bountiful harvest. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaomi plans to persist with its innovative approach, further enhancing guidance throughout the entire land transfer and trust management process. Strengthening policy support, funding, technology, and other comprehensive elements is a priority. The city aims to extend the service chain to include storage and sales, thereby providing a robust framework for driving rural vitalization.