The Impact of Intelligent Greenhouses on Cherry Production
The cherry farming landscape in Xin’an has been transformed by the introduction of intelligent greenhouses. According to Liu Xiankuan, Chairman of Henan Tianxing Agricultural Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd, these advanced greenhouses have tripled cherry production compared to traditional open-field methods. The fruit diameter has increased from 20-26 mm to an impressive 30-36 mm, demonstrating the significant impact of controlled environment agriculture on crop yields.
The success of these intelligent greenhouses lies in their sophisticated monitoring and control systems. A large display in the control room shows real-time data on temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide levels within the greenhouse. By adjusting the growth mode, automated systems open and close thermal covers and sunshades, ensuring the cherry trees receive optimal growth conditions. Additionally, precise irrigation and fertilization are achieved through these automated systems, further enhancing productivity.
Located in Xin’an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, these greenhouses are part of a broader effort to modernize cherry farming in an area with a rich history of cherry cultivation. The 17-kilometer-long Cherry Valley boasts over 30 cherry trees that are more than 1,000 years old and over 2,200 trees that are more than 100 years old. Despite their historical significance, these traditional trees produced small, difficult-to-harvest fruits that were not viable for wider distribution or profitable sales.
Liu Xiankuan, who returned to his hometown in 2013 to start his own company, has been a pivotal figure in this transformation. He established an ecological garden, built 286 intelligent greenhouses, and guided surrounding villages to plant over 1,333 hectares of large-fleshed cherries. These cherries have been available on the market since April, selling in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai for up to 120 RMB per pound.
Xin’an has leveraged the success of its cherry farming to promote tourism, hosting the Cherry Culture Exchange Festival. During the May Day holidays, the region welcomed 535,700 tourists, a 42.85% increase from the previous year. Many courier services have set up collection points in the orchards, allowing visitors to pick cherries and ship them to friends in other cities. Additionally, a small studio under a cherry tree enables live broadcasts, contributing to online sales that account for about half of the total revenue.
The cherry industry in Xin’an has reached an annual production value of 1.5 billion RMB, providing employment for over 20,000 people. This remarkable transformation highlights the potential of intelligent agriculture to enhance productivity and economic viability in traditional farming regions.
The adoption of intelligent greenhouses in Xin’an has not only increased cherry production and quality but also revitalized the local economy and boosted tourism. This innovative approach to agriculture demonstrates the significant benefits of integrating technology into traditional farming practices, offering a blueprint for other regions seeking to modernize their agricultural systems.
