Smart greenhouses and sustainability: the future of cultivation in Xin'an (China)

The landscape of cherry cultivation in Xin'an has been transformed by the introduction of smart greenhouses. According to Liu Xiankuan, president of Henan Tianxing Agriculture Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd, these advanced greenhouses have tripled the production of cherries compared to traditional open-field methods. The diameter of the fruits has increased from 20-26 mm to as much as 30-36 mm, demonstrating the significant impact of controlled environment cultivation on crop yields.

The success of these smart greenhouses lies in their sophisticated monitoring and control systems. A large screen in the control room displays real-time data on temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide levels inside the greenhouse.

By adjusting the cultivation mode, automated systems open and close thermal covers and sunshades, ensuring optimal growing conditions for the cherry trees. Moreover, these automated systems enable precise irrigation and fertilization, further increasing productivity.

Located in Xin'an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, these greenhouses are part of a broader effort to modernize cherry cultivation in an area with a rich history of cherry trees. The Cherry Valley, spanning 17 kilometers, is home to more than 30 cherry trees over 1,000 years old and over 2,200 trees more than 100 years old. Despite their historical significance, these traditional trees produced small, hard-to-harvest fruits that were unsuitable for wider distribution or profitable sales.

Liu Xiankuan, who returned to his hometown in 2013 to start his own business, has been a key figure in this transformation. He created an organic garden, built 286 smart greenhouses, and led surrounding villages to plant more than 1,333 hectares of large-fleshed cherries. These cherries are available on the market from April and are sold in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai at a price that can reach 120 RMB per kg (15.21€/kg).

Xin'an has leveraged the success of cherry cultivation to promote tourism and has organized the Cherry Cultural Exchange Festival. During the May Day holiday, the region received 535,700 tourists, an increase of 42.85% compared to the previous year.

Many courier services have set up collection points in the orchards, allowing visitors to pick cherries and send them to friends in other cities. Additionally, a small studio under a cherry tree allows for live streaming, contributing to online sales, which account for about half of total revenues.

The cherry industry in Xin'an has reached an annual production value of 1.5 billion RMB, providing employment for more than 20,000 people. This remarkable transformation highlights the potential of smart agriculture to enhance productivity and economic profitability in traditional agricultural regions.

The adoption of smart greenhouses in Xin'an has not only increased the production and quality of cherries but has also revitalized the local economy and boosted tourism. This innovative approach to agriculture demonstrates the significant advantages of integrating technology into traditional farming practices, offering a model for other regions seeking to modernize their agricultural systems.

Source: Greenhouse News
Image: Good Fruit Growers

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