For three decades, China's coastal province of Fujian has partnered with landlocked drought-prone Ningxia to share agricultural know-how, and now, on what was once barren land, a "new-generation farmer" is reaping the rewards while ensuring her entire community benefits from the harvest.
This year's Fuhong plum harvest has just finished in Ma Yaling's greenhouse. First introduced from Fujian in 2023, the variety features vivid red flesh and a delightful flavor. In just one week, all 1,000 kilograms of plums flew off the shelves, with nearly half going straight back to Fujian.
"Our Fuhong plums are delicious, a true gift of the natural climate. The wide temperature swings between day and night and the long sunshine hours here give the fruit its outstanding quality. They're just as beloved back in Fujian," said Ma, a role model in rural revitalization in Yongning County, in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
At 12, Ma moved with her family from barren Xihaigu in southern Ningxia to what would become Minning Town. Named after the abbreviations of Fujian and Ningxia, the town stands as a living symbol of the cross-regional partnership that has reshaped the region.
Since the collaboration was formalized in 1996, Fujian has supported more than 1,600 companies to invest in Ningxia. What began as aid has evolved into a two-way partnership, spawning 12 jointly built industrial parks and nurturing a cluster of signature industries that have benefited over 100,000 residents.
In 2012, Ma quit her job in Shanghai and returned to Minning, working first for the local government and later for Fujian-backed enterprises.
"When I came back in 2012, the roads were paved all the way to my front door. I was struck by just how big the changes were. People in the village would say, 'I'm going to work for the Fujian employers. They've got something new going on this year.' I thought, if they can run their business so good here, why can't I," Ma recalled.
In 2022, she built six greenhouses with the support from Fujian and launched her pilot program to adapt crops commonly seen in the south to northern climate. From seedling to harvest, Ma has had round-the-clock guidance from local agricultural experts and experts from Fujian, and has passed on everything she learns to local growers.
So far, Ma has introduced more than 30 varieties of southern fruits, mushrooms, and vegetables to the northern soil. Today, more than 60 households in Minning Town cultivate 198 greenhouses, and Ma has taken villagers to Fujian to learn new techniques and management skills.
One of them is 22-year-old Wang Zhiling, a local student interning with Ma. She plans to stay and develop her own agriculture business after graduation.
"I'm majoring in agriculture, so I want to do something meaningful for my hometown," said Wang, a student at Ningxia Technical College of Wine and Desertification Prevention.
At 44, Ma has lived most of her life alongside the Fujian-Ningxia partnership, which just marked its 30th anniversary. Looking back, she marvels at how far her community has come.
"When we first moved here, the whole village shared one telephone. Now everyone has a phone, and many families even have a car for each person. Thanks to the Fujian-Ningxia partnership and our own hard work, our lives have transformed in leaps and bounds. The change has been truly remarkable," she said.
Fujian-Ningxia partnership helps farmer lead her community to prosperity
