Climbing a fruit tree is an easy task for 62-year-old Niu Zimian.

Niu, a fruit tree expert of the Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Science, has been showing local farmers how to prune pear trees in Xixian County of nort China's Shanxi Province since the 1980s.

His expert assistance with pruning many types of fruit trees has made him a local star. Every time he gives on-site instructions, many farmers gather to learn, taking notes or filming it by phone.

"Dr. Niu always gives instructions through on-site practicing himself. It's very easy for farmers to learn," said Wang Dongdong, an orchard owner who attends Niu's farming class almost every time.

However, when Niu started to offer his expertise, many fruit farmers didn't take it seriously.

"At first, many fruit farmers doubted me. They were not willing to cut down big branches to better shape the trees and improve fruit quality. So we picked up several farmers to help them build demonstration orchards to show how successful our techniques are," the fruit tree expert told CGTN.

As the fruit of the demonstration orchards grew better and better, more and more orchard owners started to trust Niu and follow his advice.

The pears planted following Niu's guidance taste sweeter, crispier and juicier, one of the best varieties in the country. Higher quality means a higher price. Advanced planting technology not only has brought better fruit to the table but also changed local people's lives.

Niu also teaches how to scientifically apply fertilizer, stretch branches and control pests, all of which have greatly increased fruit quality and quantity. Many orchard owners now make much more than before.

Wang is one of the owners of such demonstration orchards. His annual income has increased from around 30,000 yuan (about 4,271 U.S. dollars) to over 100,000 yuan, three times more than in the past. 

"Dr. Niu is who I feel most grateful towards," Wang said earnestly.

Another orchard, Li Yuansheng, added, "We should all thank him. He's the one we most respect."

Now, 80 percent of local residents in Xixian plant fruit trees. The total area of fruit planting in the county covers over 250 square kilometers. The annual fruit production is worth as much as 900 million yuan, or 130 million U.S. dollars. The booming fruit business also helped the county out of poverty last year.

Niu is one of a growing number of specialists in China who are helping out in rural areas, under the Science and Technology Specialists System, which started in China in 1999.

"The system has brought almost all the best experts in Shanxi to the frontline of agricultural production, to help solve the problems there. It's a platform for us to test and show our ability," Niu said.

Though based in the capital city, Niu spends half his time visiting different rural areas in the province. He says he and his team have done much more than what is required. 

"I believe the Loess Plateau has great potential to grow high-quality fruit. And here we might grow the best fruit in the country or even in the world. With that thought, I don't get that tired anymore and am able to keep pruning the trees all day long," said Niu.