Smart agriculture nurtures collective prosperity in southern Xinjiang

"I used to be a farmer," said Rozi Niyaz, a local villager who joined six months ago. "Now I earn 3,000 to 4,000 yuan ($555) a month, increasing my annual income by over 20,000 yuan".

Ali Keram, a former ranch worker who tends strawberries at the factory, values the improved work-life balance. Smart irrigation systems automate watering and monitor water use, leaf residue, and irrigation timing, saving a significant amount of labor.

"Now, I go home for lunch every day," he said. "And I have more time to spend with my family".