Workers use a new, innovative tea-picking machine in tea fields in Suichang county, Lishui. [Photo/Tide News]

As tea picking reaches its prime time in Suichang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, farmers in Huangshayao town are using an innovative tea-picking machine in their fields.

In a 33-hectare ecological tea base in the town, the tea-picking machine named "Xiao Ming" was first used for picking 13 hectares of spring tea.

In 2024, Suichang's tea cultivation area spanned over 92.8 square kilometers, generating a primary output exceeding 1.5 billion yuan ($204.84 million). The tea industry is a cornerstone of the local economy, enhancing prosperity for residents.

The "Xiao Ming" tea-picking machine is in action. [Photo/Tide News]

"Harvesting spring tea is a race against time, with labor shortages and high costs during peak season," said Lyu Xingen, the base manager. However, with eight "Xiao Ming" machines in action, each can harvest 16 to 20 kilograms per hour, matching the efficiency of five skilled workers.

The tea-picking machine pioneers a unique leaf-combing and in-situ upright transport technology. Equipped with a "comb" and "sheath" device, it gently guides and cuts leaves, minimizing damage to young buds and enhancing uniformity.

This innovation not only ensures high yields but also shortens recovery time for tea plants post-harvest. Tests show the machine keeps leaf damage below 5 percent, maintaining quality and yield stability.