Ningbo, Zhejiang: Electricity powers citrus industry, writing a new chapter in rural vitalization

The State Grid Ningbo Power Supply Company recently answered the national call for rural vitalization by selecting the citrus orchards in Liyang town — located in Ningbo city, East China's Zhejiang province — as a pilot site. 

Through end-to-end electrical upgrades, the utility is helping the local citrus sector move up the value chain, turning small citrus fruit into a big industry that lifts the incomes of farmers.

Company employees help advise a local farmer. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The heart of citrus cultivation in the region, Liyang is leveraging the favorable natural conditions to accelerate its industrial modernization. 

By introducing premium citrus varieties such as Spring-Fragrance Golden Pomelo and Red Beauty, together with automated planting and orchard-management technologies, growers have extended the supply chain from fresh-fruit sales to deep processing. 

Annual output now exceeds 100 million yuan ($14.05 million), while the local Liyang Citrus brand has become a signature agricultural brand.

Measurements are carefully taken and noted down. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

It's widely said that industrial upgrades begin with reliable power. Acting as the sector's electrical powerhouse, State Grid Ningbo Power Supply has precisely mapped out the citrus-industry demand.

Moreover, it's prioritized a wholesale reinforcement of the distribution network in major growing areas. 

The company has added or upgraded 1.2 kilometers of 10 kilovolt lines, sharply raising the supply reliability to guarantee stable electricity for irrigation and the processing of the plants, among other things. 

A green-service lane provides on-demand safety inspections and tailors power solutions for cooperatives and processors. This year alone, 10 dedicated patrols have resolved six critical issues.

Two company technicians check out some machinery. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

State Grid Ningbo advisors examine machinery, looking to introduce improvements. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Moving forward, plans are for State Grid Ningbo to continue to optimize the rural grid architecture and introduce new service models.

This will deliver solid electrical backing for more specialty industries and ensure that the power dividend reaches every farming household —  jointly painting a brighter blueprint for the region's rural vitalization.