In the lush orchards of Ledong, Hainan, workers adorned in traditional Li ethnic attire are meticulously harvesting lychees, marking the beginning of the season for this prized fruit. This year, the lychees are particularly abundant, with buyers from across China and even international markets pre-ordering the fruit before it has even ripened on the trees. The anticipation is palpable, and the implications for Hainan’s agricultural sector are significant.
Hainan, one of the original habitats of the lychee, boasts a rich history of over 2,000 years of lychee cultivation. The region’s unique environment has fostered a diverse range of wild genetic resources, which, coupled with advanced cultivation techniques, has led to the development of lychee varieties that are not only early maturing but also exceptionally sweet, juicy, and large in size. The “Osmanthus Fragrance” lychee, for instance, hits the market 1-2 months earlier than other regions in China, commanding a premium price of up to 120 yuan per kg.
The success of Hainan’s lychee industry can be attributed to a combination of factors, including advantageous varieties, meticulous management, and innovative technologies. Farmers in Hainan have embraced modern agricultural practices, such as using plant protection drones for watering, fertilizing, patrolling, and pest control. They have also installed “light-repelling” facilities in the orchards, which help reduce pest damage without the need for pesticides. These innovations have enabled lychee trees to maintain normal yield levels despite environmental fluctuations, further enhancing the quality of the fruit.
The digitalization and intelligence of agricultural production management are also key focus areas for Hainan. The region is accelerating the construction of “smart orchards,” where technologies such as drone inspections, AI, and big data for orchard management, alongside digital plant protection, are gradually being tested and promoted. This refined management model is not only benefiting lychee cultivation but is also being applied to other tropical fruits such as dragon fruit, pineapple, and finger lime, helping more high-quality Hainan agricultural products reach overseas markets.
The China International Consumer Products Expo 2025, held in Hainan from April 13 to 18, provided a global platform for Hainan’s agricultural innovations and products. The Expo showcased agricultural drones used in Hainan’s agricultural production, offering a glimpse into the “Hainan Wisdom” of the agricultural ecosystem. High-quality agricultural products from Hainan, including Lingshui lychees, Fushan coffee, Baisha green tea, Hongmei pineapples, and finger limes, were on display, competing with premium agricultural products from around the world.
The Expo also saw the creative display of Hainan agricultural products through shared farms. The fruit bus from Xihe Farm in Danzhou, Hainan, offered creatively crafted beverages made from selected tropical fresh fruits, capturing real-time feedback from international buyers and fostering collaboration in smart agriculture. Following the Expo, the fruit bus will embark on a tour around the island, allowing more residents and tourists to taste Hainan’s premium agricultural products.
The implications of these developments are far-reaching. Hainan’s commitment to agricultural innovation and digitalization is not only enhancing the quality and yield of its lychee and other tropical fruits but is also opening up new markets and opportunities. The region’s success in lychee cultivation serves as a testament to the potential of agritech in transforming traditional agricultural practices and driving economic growth. As Hainan continues to embrace and promote these innovations, it is poised to become a leading player in the global agricultural market.
