Characteristics of agricultural circular economy in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing- A case study of the ecological agriculture pattern of "pig-biogas-orange"

Based on agriculture development in the region, this study analyzes the conditions and necessity for agricultural circular economy in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region of Chongqing from the rural economic development, environment protection and agricultural pollution control. And the advantages of resources, technology and policy for the agricultural circular economy in the region was discussed. The successful "pig-biogas-orange" pattern of agricultural circular economy established on the industrial bases of orange cultivation, pig breeding, and biogas production in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region is fully elucidated. The pattern is practiced in more than 10 counties in a total area of 6 700 hectares of main citrus plantation in the counties of Jiangjin, Changshou, Kai, etc. It has an average income increase of 120 million Yuan and over 20 000 employments in the region. The agricultural circular economy pattern obviously also enhances the water quality of Three Gorges Reservoir and protects the environment of the region. Further strategies for promoting agricultural circular economy in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region are therefore recommended.