As autumn sets in, the greenhouses of Shengquan Village in Yungping County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, are bustling with activity as workers begin the cucumber harvest. Rows of cucumbers stand tall, resembling a disciplined formation of soldiers, while workers move swiftly among the plants, engaging in tasks such as pollination, thinning, and packing. The harvested cucumbers are meticulously loaded onto transport vehicles, ready to be sent to markets in Dali City.
The local government has partnered with a successful enterprise from Midu County to establish the Yongjing Vegetable Planting Farm in Shengquan Village, where they cultivate a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Compared to traditional crop farming, greenhouse vegetable production offers higher yields, stable market demand, and enhanced economic benefits. According to recent agricultural reports, greenhouse farming has become increasingly vital in enhancing food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods across the region.
Xiong Jianhui, a 90s-born manager of the Yongjing Vegetable Planting Farm, emphasizes the importance of controlling temperature and humidity for successful cucumber cultivation. The optimal growth temperature for cucumbers is between 24°C and 28°C. When the conditions are just right, the plants flourish, yielding high-quality cucumbers. The seedlings are grafted onto pumpkin rootstocks grown in Midu, which provide robust root systems, strong branches, and improved resistance to pests and diseases, resulting in longer harvesting periods and higher yields.
In recent years, the local government in Bunan Town has adopted a “Party Building +” approach to drive industrial development. By supporting local enterprises and introducing successful practices from other regions, they have broadened income-generating avenues for farmers and developed specialty industries. Currently, Shengquan Village boasts over 40 acres of cucumber greenhouses, with each acre producing approximately 10 tons of cucumbers. This leads to an estimated seasonal output value exceeding 10 million yuan (about $1.5 million), showcasing the lucrative potential of greenhouse vegetable farming.
As the greenhouse cucumber industry continues to thrive in Yungping, it serves as a model for rural revitalization. By leveraging innovative agricultural techniques and collaborative efforts, local farmers are not only enhancing their economic conditions but also contributing to regional food production.
The successful implementation of greenhouse cucumber cultivation in Dali’s Yungping County highlights the importance of modern agricultural practices in boosting local economies and achieving sustainable development. This initiative exemplifies how strategic partnerships and technology can empower farmers and ensure food security in rural communities.
