As the autumn harvest unfolds, the fields in Fatou, Zuma, and Shama villages of Xiangyang Township are painted with a vibrant red hue. Rows of small chili pepper plants grow lush and vigorous, their plump red-and-green fruits hanging densely from the branches, dotting the countryside like strings of glowing "little ingots" and sketching a lively picture of autumn abundance.
At the 40-mu chili plantation of local grower Wang Xiuxian in Fatou Village, the sprawling pepper fields are verdant and bursting with fruit. Over ten hired villagers move through the fields, skillfully picking ripe chilies and loading them into baskets. Between their nimble fingers, glossy peppers tumble into containers, their cheerful chatter and bustling activity weaving a vivid tapestry of rural harvest life. "Today, I've hired over a dozen helpers to pick the chilies, and wages are settled the same day based on the weight they gather. Next year, I plan to expand my planting area to boost my income further," Wang said with a smile.
Known for a growth cycle of roughly three months, small chilies offer the advantages of a short turnaround, quick returns, and steady yields, making them a prime income generator for local farmers. Wang explained that the stable output and profitability of chilies have fueled strong enthusiasm among growers. This year, her nearly 40 mu of chili fields are projected to produce around 35 tons. At the current market purchase price of about 6.5 yuan per kilogram, her annual revenue could top 200,000 yuan. Even with a conservative estimate of 5 yuan per kilogram and 1 ton per mu, the chili harvest promises substantial earnings for her this season.
Beyond fattening growers' wallets, these modest chilies have also created a convenient employment platform for villagers right at their doorstep, effectively mobilizing fragmented rural labor and enabling locals to work and earn without leaving home. "Picking chilies near home lets me earn over a hundred yuan a day, and the employer even provides breakfast. The income is solid, and I feel secure in my daily life," said worker Li Ying cheerfully.
According to statistics, the chili planting area in Xiangyang Township has now surpassed 600 mu. At a conservative market price of 5 yuan per kilogram, the township's chili output is expected to generate 3 million yuan in value. These tiny peppers have become a hallmark industry driving rural revitalization and paving the way for local prosperity.