Spring brings renewal, and in the Huaniu apple base on Nanshan Mountain, Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, Wu Zhengquan, head of the Xinmin Apple Planting Cooperative, is busy inspecting fruit tree buds. "Last year's apple prices were good, and our members' incomes rose. When the season arrives, my mind is always on the orchard," Wu says with a sincere smile, standing amidst rows of trees that represent stable livelihoods for local farmers.
How has a single apple variety become a source of prosperity? How does a traditional cultivar thrive amid modern challenges? And how do local officials position themselves to boost industrial development? A recent visit to Maiji District revealed practical approaches to enhancing agricultural productivity, with answers found in the work of Party members and cadres.
In the 1980s, as a key Huaniu apple production area, Maiji faced a critical choice. Fuji apples, known for their durability and long shelf life, were gaining market popularity nationwide. By contrast, Huaniu apples—a variety of the Delicious series—were prone to softening quickly after harvest, posing higher market risks. Despite short-term profit potential from switching to Fuji, local officials conducted thorough field research, consulted experts, and assessed market conditions. They concluded that Tianshui’s deep soil, ample sunlight, and significant day-night temperature variations were ideal for Huaniu’s unique color, aroma, and texture. "Preserving and improving Huaniu quality ensures long-term benefits for farmers," they agreed.
Zhou Xiaokang, deputy director of the Tianshui Fruit Tree Research Institute, emphasized that breeding a new apple variety takes 17–20 years, underscoring the need for patience in industrial development. "If we had followed the trend back then, the Delicious series in Tianshui might have disappeared," he noted, adding that the institute conserves over 30 Delicious apple germplasm resources.
To address challenges like fragmented plots, poor transport, and water shortages, Maiji launched the 150,000-mu Nanshan Huaniu Apple Base in 2005. Over two decades of sustained investment, 360 km of industrial roads and six pumping stations were built, making it Asia’s largest Delicious apple production base. At the Tianlirenguo Fruit Farmers Cooperative, fertilizers are efficiently transported via mini-rails, overcoming historical logistics hurdles. Today, Maiji’s Huaniu apple cultivation spans 414,000 mu, generating annual output value of 3 billion yuan and directly increasing incomes for over 60,000 farmers.
Improving fruit quality in a land-scarce region required another shift: thinning flowers and fruit to concentrate nutrients for larger, premium apples. Initial resistance from growers—"Flowers mean money; why remove them?"—was overcome when Wu Zhengquan, encouraged by officials, demonstrated the technique. By autumn, his scientifically managed orchard yielded uniform, glossy apples that fetched over 1 yuan more per jin, boosting每亩income by 10,000 yuan. Convinced by results, farmers embraced the method, and officials organized on-site training by experts.
Another "reduction" effort—replacing old trees and widening spacing for mechanization—also gained support. "Following the Party’s lead has brought us profits; we trust the cadres," said Yan Junjun from Longhuai Village, whose orchard was revitalized with new varieties like "Eai" and "Wali."
In Huaniu Town, Zhang Wangwei, director of the Party Building Office, phoned a farmer to remind him to remove tree moisturizing bags before rising temperatures damaged buds. "Anything affecting farmers’ income worries me," Zhang explained, pointing to an "Apple Annual Management Calendar" on his desk. Across Maiji, officials engage deeply in planting, care, and sales. Gao Yongxin, deputy director of the District Agriculture Bureau, remains vigilant during frost seasons, overseeing 8,200 mu of anti-hail nets and disaster response efforts.
At Tianshui Great Wall Juice Group, a key local processor, intelligent robots pack Huaniu apple juice. Liu Zihao, head of the Party committee office, noted officials’ support in expanding global markets—their concentrated apple juice now sells in over 50 countries. Cao Libin, deputy director of the District Commerce Bureau, often visits enterprises to promote order-based planting and supply-demand matching.
Maiji has cultivated cadres’ expertise by placing them at industrial frontlines, promoting over 60 officials based on rural revitalization performance since 2025. "We focus capabilities on industry and energy on development," said Song Changhua, head of the District Organization Department. "Precise training will continue to align with full industrial chain needs."
As the visit concluded, Wu Zhengquan held a plump Huaniu apple up to the light, its five distinct ridges resembling a star. "Working with the Party, we’ll grow and sell this fruit well, building a brighter life for all," he said.
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