The Role of Technology in the Revitalization of Tangerine Peel Industry

Xinhui Chenpi, a highly valued traditional Chinese ingredient, has experienced remarkable economic growth, with its industrial chain reaching a total output value of 26.1 billion yuan in 2024 and employing over 100,000 individuals. Despite this substantial expansion, the sector currently confronts a complex triple bind characterized by severe youth outmigration, diminished consumer trust, and escalating production costs. This paper investigates how a traditional agricultural planting industry can be effectively revitalized in the modern era. To address this critical question, the study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of the transformation experiences across four global industries, namely tea, tobacco, whisky, and coffee. These selected sectors have successfully navigated analogous challenges related to youth attrition, technological integration, and structural decline. By synthesizing insights from these international case studies, the research identifies four strategic directions essential for the comprehensive revitalization of the Chenpi industry. These include the implementation of intelligent farming and processing technologies, the development of high-value-added products, the establishment of institutionalized youth training programs, and the systematic restoration of market order. Ultimately, the core objective is to translate the unique time-value of Chenpi, which inherently appreciates with age, into visible, sustainable, and tangible career prospects for the younger generation, thereby ensuring the long-term viability and cultural preservation of this traditional agricultural sector while fostering sustainable rural development.