PV-powered irrigation project helping farmers in Yunnan

China is promoting the application of clean energy, as it looks to achieve its ambitious carbon neutrality goal. In southwest China's Yunnan Province, farmers have been making the dramatic switch and seeing its benefits. Yang Jinghao reports.

Farmers in this small village say they're hoping for a bumper harvest of citrus fruits this year.

They're not sure, however, as it's the first time they've tried to cultivate fruits in their hometown in Yongsheng County of Yunnan.

Before this, they were growing corn, but it was deemed much too risky.

HU GONGHUA Farmer of Yongsheng County "It was heavily dependent on weather. If we got enough rainfall, we'd get a decent harvest. But we'd get almost nothing if we didn't."

On the banks of the Jinsha River – or the upper reaches of the Mighty Yangtze – the villages here experience a lot of hot and dry weather.

Water shortages are a major worry for farmers.

HU GONGHUA Farmer of Yongsheng County "This place used to be barren land. We felt very anxious, as the river was just running before us but beyond our reach."

As it turned out, one of the causes of his anxiety also provided a potential solution.

If they could only find a way to harness it.

YANG JINGHAO Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province "To solve the long-standing problem, the local government came up with an idea to use the strong and abundant sunlight in the region to create a photovoltaic-powered irrigation system."

Through this creation in 2020, the villagers could divert water from the river to their farmland via pump stations supported by photo-voltaic power.

In these new conditions, farmers here are now able to cultivate crops which have a much greater economic value.

PU JIUTIAN Deputy Head, Yongsheng County Water Affairs Bureau "Pumping water via this project costs much less, which means it will ease the burden of villagers. Meanwhile, the project is conducive to the environment, as it will prevent water and soil loss to some extent."

Leased from the farmlands of 90 families, this orchard covers about 20 hectares.

Apart from what they earned through a land transfer fee, they can also get a bonus as shareholders, and an income by working here.

RUAN ZHIJUN Manager, Yongsheng Chenghai Agricultural Technology Company "The fruits will hit the market next March. Take this year's market as reference, they are expected to generate about 1.5 million yuan, and the income of the villagers will grow several times."

The local government plans to expand the project in the years to come, so that more farmers can benefit from it. YJH, CGTN, Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province.