Taihe Overseas Chinese Farm in Binchuan County, Dali
Taihe Overseas Chinese Farm(大理市宾川县太和华侨农场), established in 1958, is located in the southeastern part of Binchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It operates as a comprehensive state-owned agricultural enterprise integrating agriculture with industry, commerce, and trade.
Farm Overview: Covering a total land area of 14,515 mu (approximately 9677 hectares), including 6525 mu (about 4350 hectares) of arable land, Taihe Farm had a population of 4201 people as of 2010. Among them, 50.1% were returned overseas Chinese and their relatives from Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The farm also hosts 12 ethnic minorities, including Yi and Bai, accounting for 11.4% of the total population.
Key Industries: Benefiting from flat and fertile terrain, ample sunshine, and convenient irrigation, Taihe Farm specializes in grains, oilseeds, citrus fruits, grapes, sugarcane, fragrant leaf oils, vegetables, dates, pomegranates, and plums. Recent industrial adjustments have focused on cultivating high-quality citrus on 3800 mu, premium grapes on 2000 mu, and jujubes on 500 mu. The farm’s agricultural structure emphasizes a 10:90 ratio of grain to economic crops, positioning it as a leader in Binchuan County’s agricultural restructuring and a model for sustainable green industries.
Development Strategies: Taihe Farm pursues a development strategy centered on foundational establishment, scientific reliance, structural adjustment, brand building, market expansion, sales revitalization, and efficiency enhancement. It has successfully promoted pesticide-free cultivation, particularly with European and Asian grape varieties, securing state certification as pesticide-free and trademark registration. The farm has established a fruit growers’ association and operates an agricultural website, transitioning from traditional to modern agricultural practices.
Infrastructure and Economic Contributions: The farm has invested in comprehensive infrastructure, achieving 100% coverage of main ditches and channels. Positioned advantageously for returnees and overseas Chinese, as well as proximity to urban centers, Taihe Farm has developed three markets: the Overseas Chinese furniture market, Golden Bull building materials market, and Liujia Bay agricultural and forestry products trading market. Additionally, the farm has ventured into real estate, boosting farm efficiency and enhancing employee income.
Economic Impact: By 2002, Taihe Farm’s total social output value had reached 20.628 million yuan, with a per capita net income of 2537 yuan. Its strategic location, favorable investment climate, and robust infrastructure have attracted 27 individual economic entities, fostering mutual development and synergistic advantages.
