In East China’s Shandong province, the adoption of greenhouse farming has significantly enhanced the livelihoods of local farmers. In Juancheng County, cultivators like Wu Zhengqian are witnessing prosperous harvests, particularly with greenhouse-grown strawberries, contributing to increased income and economic growth in the region.
Juancheng County, encompassing two sub-districts and 15 towns with a population exceeding 923,000, has embraced greenhouse agriculture to transform traditional farming practices. This shift has been instrumental in elevating the county’s regional GDP to approximately 31 billion yuan ($4.36 billion) in 2024, marking a 6.5% year-on-year increase. The per capita disposable income of residents also saw a 7% rise, reflecting the positive impact of greenhouse farming on individual earnings.
The success in Juancheng aligns with broader trends observed in Shandong province. Greenhouse cultivation has enabled farmers to double their yields and extend growing seasons, thereby improving their standard of living. For instance, in Binzhou City, a single greenhouse covering 0.13 hectares can generate an annual income between 80,000 to 100,000 RMB, a substantial increase compared to the average annual farmer income of 12,363 RMB.
However, the rapid expansion of greenhouse agriculture has also led to environmental concerns. Shandong province ranks first in pesticide usage and second in chemical fertilizer consumption in China, contributing to agricultural non-point source pollution. This highlights the need for sustainable practices to balance economic gains with environmental preservation.
The development of greenhouse agriculture in Juancheng County has substantially boosted farmers’ incomes and regional economic growth. While the benefits are evident, it is imperative to adopt environmentally sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of this agricultural transformation.
