Financial institutions in Maoming, China's top lychee-producing region, have disbursed more than 910 million yuan (approximately $ 125 million) in specialized loans this year to bolster the fruit industry, benefiting over 100 growers and distributors while stimulating employment and exports.
Farmers are harvesting lychees.
The breakthrough stems from Maoming's targeted micro-enterprise financing coordination mechanism, where regulatory agencies and banks jointly developed innovative products, such as China Construction Bank (CCB)'s "Fortune Lychee Loan." One standout solution utilizes logistics data from SF Express to extend credit, with a pioneering 300,000 yuan loan issued to a merchant based on shipping records.
The Agricultural Bank of China established dedicated lychee service centers, expediting a 1.6 million yuan loan to a women-led cooperative supporting 200 growers. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) introduced flexible "Grower e-Loans" with daily-rate repayment options, approving facilities of up to 2 million yuan for agricultural upgrades.
Dubbed "China's Lychee Capital," Maoming produces 25% of the nation's crop. The financing push combines digital tools with grassroots outreach, including pop-up banking at highway rest stops near orchards, demonstrating how tailored financial solutions can foster rural revitalization.
Reporter: Yang Jianxiong
Photo: Feng Zhang
Editor: Huang Qini, James, Shen He
