In mid-October, as the harvest season begins, the landscape in Shengling Village of Wu Le Town, located in the Gangbei District of Guigang City, Guangxi, is bustling with activity. The Runfa Nut Planting Cooperative is in full swing, with vibrant, round macadamia nuts hanging from the trees, while farmers are busy picking, sorting, and bagging the fruits.
Recently, Liu Yeting, the head of the nut planting base, was overseeing the harvesting process. Workers donned gloves and used plastic buckets to expertly gather the nuts, preparing for transportation to the market.
Established six years ago, the Runfa Nut Planting Cooperative has expanded its cultivation area from just a few dozen acres to over 200 acres. This year, I learned that the first batch of harvested nuts spans more than 80 acres, yielding approximately six tons. “The market for nuts is strong this year, with a purchase price of 6 yuan per nut at the base,” Liu explained, noting that all products are sold locally. The nuts begin to bear fruit in March and are ready for market by October. After being harvested, they go through processing steps like shelling and drying before they are ready for consumption.
Known as the rainforest queen or the king of nuts, the macadamia nut, also referred to as Hawaiian nut, originates from the tropical rainforests in southeastern Australia. Its unique flavor and high nutritional value have made it a favorite among consumers.
In recent years, Wu Le Town has capitalized on its resource advantages to develop niche industries, employing a model that combines village collectives, enterprises (including cooperatives and associations), and individual farmers. This initiative has spurred the growth of green, quality-oriented, specialty, and branded industries. Currently, the town cultivates 17,750 acres of premium lychee, citrus fruits, Sanhong honey pomelo, passion fruit, and dragon fruit, alongside 8,600 acres of sugarcane, producing over 30,000 tons. Additionally, more than 1,000 households participate in backyard beef cattle farming, with a stock of over 6,000 cattle, promoting a cyclical agricultural model of integrating crop and livestock production. More than 2,000 local residents find employment in the industrial base, with an average monthly income exceeding 3,000 yuan.
