(ECNS) -- Specialty fruits are entering the peak harvest season across northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with improved farming, processing and marketing helping farmers increase their incomes. 

In Yengisar County, Kashgar Prefecture, about 3,133 hectares of xinmei, a variety of European plum developed locally, have entered full maturity.

Villagers sort xinmei in Yengisar County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo: China News Service/ Kawulijiang)

Standardized farming and cold chain logistics are ensuring quality as growers ship fresh produce nationwide.

A local agricultural technology company has introduced standardized management and on-site expert guidance to help ensure fruit quality and yields.

Since harvesting began on Aug. 16, more than 1,000 local villagers have found seasonal work in the plum industry.

In Atush, new processing and preservation techniques have extended the shelf life of fresh figs to 10–15 days, while online and offline sales have opened markets in major Chinese cities.

Xinjiang ranks first nationwide in the growing area and output of dates, grapes, apricots, fragrant pears, almonds and xinmei.

The region has about 1.47 million hectares of fruit growing land, accounting for roughly 13% of China’s total, according to the regional forestry and grassland authority.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)