A fruit farmer from Pingliang achieves a bumper harvest. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

Pingliang in Northwest China's Gansu province is successfully transforming its traditional apple farming industry into a modern industrial powerhouse, powered by the renowned "Jingning Apple". Grown on the Loess Plateau at 35 degrees north latitude, this "ruby of the earth" is now being grown on land spanning 1.51 million mu (about 101,000 hectares), with an estimated annual output of 2.7 million metric tons and an output value exceeding 16 billion yuan ($2.25 billion), advancing steadily toward high-quality, integrated development across the entire industrial chain.

Pingliang has actively introduced and cultivated new apple varieties while deepening cooperation with research institutions such as Northwest A&F University. By leveraging digital technology, the city has established a Jingning Apple Science Innovation Center and a digital fruit industry platform, in addition to building 20,000 mu of smart orchards. The use of big data, intelligent monitoring, and agricultural machinery continues to enhance operational efficiency and service levels.

To extend the industrial chain, Pingliang has developed over 10 types of value-added products, including juice, vinegar, face masks, beer, and floral tea, significantly increasing the overall value of its apple produce.

The apple intelligent sorting workshop in Jingning county, Pingliang. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

The "Jingning Apple" brand is now valued at 18.1 billion yuan. It was included in China's first batch of geographical indications protected by the European Union and is exported to more than 30 countries and regions. Through diversified marketing channels such as e-commerce livestreaming and overseas warehouses, Pingliang's apple industry continues to strengthen its international presence. To date, the city has nurtured 41 apple export enterprises, which shipped 26,600 tons of apples abroad in 2024.

In 2024, the per capita fruit income of farmers in Pingliang reached 7,300 yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.7 percent. Innovative models that combine crop insurance with futures contracts have provided risk protection for 62,400 rural households, effectively supporting stable income growth.

This seemingly ordinary apple has become a goldmine, driving regional economic development and boosting rural vitalization.