Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Bai Sujun) news: On the morning of May 26, 2025, Xia Mingli visited Wang Rongheng's house just as dawn was breaking. They planned to hire additional temporary workers, train them in irrigation techniques, and improve the management of their contracted cotton fields to secure a good harvest in the fall.

Xia Mingli, 53, is a villager from Xiarelejin Village, Beilinharimodun Township, Bole City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over the years, he has been engaged in agricultural machinery business and land contracting, becoming a leading figure in the village's prosperity. Whenever fellow villagers face farming or land-related challenges, they seek his guidance. Xia never hesitates to help, whether by offering advice or inspecting the fields himself.

"Growing up in a rural area, I know how hard it is to get ahead. Everything I've achieved is thanks to the support of my neighbors. Now that life has improved, I can't turn my back on where I came from," Xia said warmly.

Photo shows Xia Mingli (center) and villagers repair a seedbed tiller. (Photo by Lyu Junjie)

In 1991, Xia started learning farming from his father. Working alongside his father in the fields, he experienced firsthand the challenges of traditional agriculture. To boost efficiency and ease the workload, he and his father borrowed money from relatives to buy their first tractor.

In 1998, Xia bought another tractor and tried to convince his father and fellow villagers to invest in farm machinery for higher profits. But back then, most villagers were hesitant about such investments, so the plan didn't take off.

In 2001, Xia persuaded his parents to purchase a wheeled tractor. It was easy to operate and powerful, which significantly sped up their fieldwork. That year, their family income reached 100,000 yuan (about 13,909 U.S. dollars).

The earnings transformed their lives: they cleared their machinery debts, renovated their home, bought new appliances. It also reinforced Xia's belief in modern, large-scale farming powered by machinery.

In 2014, Xia teamed up with six fellow farmers to buy a cotton picker and a high-horsepower tractor, offering plowing and harvesting services to nearby farms. To grow their business, he expanded land leases and invested in more equipment. By 2022, Xia and his partners managed about 533 hectares of land, providing jobs for 50 local villagers.

"We leased our land to Xia's team. Now I operate a cotton picker for hire, my wife works on the leased fields, and with year-end bonuses, our family makes over 100,000 yuan (about 13,909 U.S. dollars) annually. It's a good life," shared Luo Xiaobing from Xiarelejin Village.

Last year, Xia's team expanded their operations to about 1,333.33 hectares of farmland, providing employment for nearly 100 locals and boosting the village's economic growth.

"Personal wealth means little unless it lifts the whole community. What truly matters is helping our neighbors prosper," Xia said. This year, he aims to widen income opportunities for more villagers, raising living standards across the board.

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