Nestled in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, Luochuan county has become a focal point for an apple cultivation revolution, combining natural advantages with advanced agricultural techniques. The apples from Luochuan, known for their large size, vibrant color, thin skin, and exceptional taste, have reached a global consumer base and even astronauts on Chinese space missions.
The success of Luochuan apples, a staple for over 76 years, is attributed to the region's high altitude and abundant sunshine, alongside the adoption of modern farming practices such as drip irrigation and dwarf planting techniques. Lu Heping, a local farmer, manages a thriving orchard of dwarf apple trees, highlighting the benefits of these practices including higher yields, earlier fruiting, and ease of management.
Drip irrigation, in contrast to traditional methods, has proven to be a more efficient way to water crops, reducing the time and water needed significantly. Lu Jun, the Party chief of Dugu village in Luochuan, notes the economic benefits of these technologies, with an increase in apple production translating to additional income for farmers.
With over 35,000 hectares dedicated to apple cultivation, Luochuan has focused on expanding the area of high-yield dwarf apple trees. This initiative, coupled with modern technology, has led to standardized production and solidified the brand value of Luochuan apples, which is ranked first nationally. Additionally, Luochuan County has been selected as a pilot county for constructing a national-level demonstration zone for high-quality apple development in Shaanxi province.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn