On October 23, the bustling apple trading market in Yaosheng Town, Yijun County’s largest distribution hub, was filled with trucks lining the kilometer-long street, waiting to load fresh produce. Yijun, a prime apple-growing region, relies heavily on the fruit as its agricultural backbone.

In recent years, with support from the People's Bank of China (PBOC), Yijun has established a modern, high-efficiency mountain apple demonstration park, along with upgraded cold-chain storage, integrated production-marketing service bases, and trading facilities. These improvements have strengthened the industry’s resilience, bringing sweeter rewards for local farmers.

**Technology Bears Fruit** At the demonstration park in Kuquan Town’s Tangnihe Village, dozens of farmers harvested apples on October 23. In 2022, backed by PBOC and partners, the village adopted a cooperative model—combining village collectives, farmers, and companies—to develop the 215-acre high-tech orchard.

"Kuquan isn’t Yijun’s main apple zone, but this park explores new planting strategies," explained Bai Yanli, a local official. The orchard prioritizes premium varieties like Ruixue and Qincui, using dense,支架-free planting to cut labor costs. Advanced drip irrigation, solar-powered pest control, and hail-proof nets safeguard growth, while the "Mountain Sparrow" smart system monitors soil and weather for precision farming.

**Seamless Supply Chains** At Yaosheng’s integrated service base, Shandong-based trader Liu Hailong directed workers to store 350,000 kg of apples in cold storage, awaiting optimal market prices. As Yijun’s core apple-producing hub, Yaosheng’s 22,800-acre orchards support over 90% of locals, yet past logistics gaps hindered growth.

In 2024, PBOC invested 2 million yuan and partnered with Alibaba’s charity arm to upgrade the base, adding sorting, packaging, cold storage, and logistics. A collaboration with China Post created a streamlined "village-to-market" delivery network, cutting waste and speeding shipments nationwide.

**Small Apples, Big Market** Yaosheng’s lively trading market buzzed with brokers and buyers comparing offerings. "I’ve brokered 2.5 million kg this year—Yijun’s quality speaks for itself," said broker Xu Xiaoquan. Farmer Zhang Yanpeng noted improved facilities: "The new covered market shelters us from rain and sun, a game-changer."

PBOC’s holistic approach spans "planting, managing, harvesting, storing, and selling," said aid officer He Zhao. Beyond infrastructure, initiatives like "insurance + futures" hedge against hail or price swings, while e-commerce training cultivates digital-savvy farmers. "Every step interlinks, solving today’s challenges and sowing hope for tomorrow."