The Yanhe Plum, which was designated as a Protected Geographical Indication Product of China, has been recognized on the domestic market and has helped increase the incomes of farmers in Yanhe county. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

In recent years, Yanhe Tujia autonomous county in Guizhou has been exploring new ways to promote consumer-driven poverty alleviation with the help of Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, according to a local media report on July 7.

Yanhe county boasts picturesque scenery and a rich variety of farm products, but its remote location and poor transportation connections make it difficult to sell its products.

With the assistance of Zhangjiagang, Yanhe has managed to establish its own agricultural brands, increasing the exposure of its products on the domestic market. This has significantly advanced the development of its rural economy and increased incomes for farmers in the county.

Zhangjiagang is organizing promotional activities for local products and attractions to drum up consumer spending every year, and is helping Yanhe promote its agricultural products via online platforms.

Statistics show that the per capita disposable income of farmers in the Shazi Residential District in Yanhe has reached 13,000 yuan ($1,851), and four impoverished villages rose from poverty last year.

The year 2020 is a decisive year in the fight against poverty, and Zhangjiagang and Yanhe plan to make strong efforts to carry out consumer-driven poverty alleviation. 

Zhangjiagang will allocate more than 20 million yuan to poverty relief efforts this year, while Suzhou will offer around 230 million yuan, with the aim of accelerating the development of Yanhe's edible mushroom industry, according to Song Xuanwen, deputy Party secretary of the county.