Luocheng seeks to grow people out of poverty

Luocheng, a northwestern county of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has made great strides in alleviating poverty in rural areas since introducing new policies.

Since May this year, some 5,000 government staff members have conducted field investigations to 31,281 households across the county to assess in what areas they need most.

The investigations stem from a meeting in February where the county's leaders discussed poverty alleviation and agricultural industrialization.

At the meeting, it was decided that loans would be granted to encourage poor households to plant crops such as sugar cane, walnuts and grapes.

Each family can apply for a 6,000 yuan ($875) from an industry development fund as well as receiving a maximum of 50,000 yuan in small interest loans. The county government said it would support more than 50 industries, including traditional and emerging.

To better develop emerging industries, the county government is providing technical services so that locals can master new techniques as soon as possible.

The county government also invited technical staff of agricultural and animal husbandry departments to offer training and guidance to ensure better development in traditional industries.

E-businesses are also being incubated as part of the poverty alleviation. Those taking up agricultural business will be encouraged to offer their products online via an e-commerce platform.