Throny fruits boost income of local farmers in China's Guizhou and Mexico

A farmer dries preserved Cili fruits in Gujiao Town of Longli County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Sept. 1, 2023.

Cili (Rosa roxburghii), meaning "thorn pear" in Chinese, is a yellowish, spiny fruit renowned for its rich vitamin C content and various nutritional benefits. This distinctive fruit is a hallmark produce of the mountainous regions in southwest China's Guizhou. Currently, the Cili production stands as a key driver in promoting rural revitalization in Longli County, Guizhou Province. The county's Cili cultivation area has expanded to 105,000 mu (7,000 hectares), yielding an annual output of 16,000 tons of fresh fruit. The comprehensive output value exceeds 400 million yuan (approximately 54.87 million U.S. dollars), significantly contributing to the income growth of the over 8,000 local farmers.

Meanwhile in the semi-arid parts of Mexico, another kind of throny fruit also brings profits to local farmers. The prickly pear cactus is a plant that bears fruit featuring thorns all over and a juicy texture with refreshing taste. Thriving in the arid highlands of Mexico, this cactus requires minimal water and pesticides for cultivation. The planting of these fruits not only contributes to local ecological management but also serves as a source of increased income for the community. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)