Drone operator team thrives in orange groves
2026-03-03 19:03:13
By Yan Wanqin
In Zigui County, drones are transforming the way orange farmers work, while operators are seeing their business grow.
On February 27, Tan Longfei was piloting an agricultural drone over orchards in Shazhenxi Town, transporting freshly picked oranges.
Nearby, orange grower Zhou Libao was amazed at the drone’s efficiency, noting that it moved 2,000 kilograms in just one hour, a task that would have taken him an entire day on foot.
The drone carried 80-kilogram loads of navel oranges, skillfully navigating power lines and rocky terrain along a 300-meter aerial route to a collection point at the foot of the ridge.
In Zigui County, drones are transforming the way orange farmers work, while operators are seeing their business grow.
On February 27, Tan Longfei was piloting an agricultural drone over orchards in Shazhenxi Town, transporting freshly picked oranges.
Nearby, orange grower Zhou Libao was amazed at the drone’s efficiency, noting that it moved 2,000 kilograms in just one hour, a task that would have taken him an entire day on foot.
The drone carried 80-kilogram loads of navel oranges, skillfully navigating power lines and rocky terrain along a 300-meter aerial route to a collection point at the foot of the ridge.
A drone transporting oranges in Zigui County.
This marks the 13th year since Tan returned to his hometown. In 2025, he founded Anhe Ecological Agriculture Co., Ltd. The drones he once used for aerial photography have since become practical farm tools.
Tan's team provided services to over 400 farming households last year. They were responsible for protecting more than 900 mu (60 hectares) of orange trees and airlifted 925,000 kilograms of navel oranges. His expertise also earned him the title of brand ambassador for "Zigui Drone Operators."
"We launched a full-service package last year, and satisfaction among contracted farmers reached 95 percent," Tan said with pride.
His team's business is expanding, now offering fruit lifting, tree protection, fertilizer transport and pruning. With one phone call, farmers can arrange the entire production process at lower costs than hiring individual service providers.
As the drone hummed over the orchards, Tan shared his vision: "This year, we plan to sign up more farmers and help double their incomes. We hope more young people will return home from their jobs in other cities. Together, we can help our oranges 'fly' out of the mountains and lift everyone's lives to new heights."
Bai Zheng, Mei Ning also contributed to this story.
