Net gains

Tang believes in moving with the times and is now adept at using the internet to run his business. Every day, he checks online orders pouring in through the local e-commerce platform Benjiaxian, supervises packaging and ensures timely delivery.

"The internet came in really handy amid the pandemic. I needed to just click on the screen a few times to stay in business," he says.

Tang's income has tripled since he first started the farm and he is currently able to employ more villagers. Shen Xiangguan has been working for him for 20 years. The 70-year-old manages the overall plantation.

"I am getting older and, luckily for me, the job is less demanding nowadays, thanks to advanced farming equipment. I only need to keep an eye on the produce, and turn some valves here and there," says Shen, who is able to take home an annual income of more than 60,000 yuan.

Tang's thriving business is partly driven by the authorities' efforts to revitalize rural areas. An agricultural center has been established, along with a supermarket, a seeds company and a farming school.