China's apple capital revolutionizes cultivation with tech

Nestled in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, Luochuan county is renowned for its exquisite apples. This region is experiencing a revolution in apple cultivation, propelled by a combination of natural advantages and cutting-edge techniques.

Luochuan apples are prized for their large size, vibrant color, thin skin, and exceptional taste, captivating consumers worldwide. Their reputation extends even beyond Earth, having been enjoyed by Chinese astronauts on eight separate space missions, providing a touch of sweetness and essential nutrients.

The enduring popularity of Luochuan apples, cultivated for over 76 years, stems from a unique blend of natural bounty and modern farming practices. The region boasts a high altitude (over 1,100 meters) and abundant sunshine, ideal conditions for apple growing. However, Luochuan hasn't rested on its laurels. The adoption of modern technologies, like drip irrigation and dwarf planting techniques, has breathed new life into the local apple industry.

Lu Heping, 58, exemplifies the embrace of innovation among local farmers. He now manages a thriving orchard of dwarf apple trees spanning 2,667 square meters. These dwarf trees offer distinct advantages: high yields, earlier fruiting, and easier management and harvesting. "Our trees have been bearing fruit for three years now," Lu beams amidst his orchard, "and I expect an even better harvest this year."

Lu's orchard also utilizes drip irrigation, a stark contrast to traditional flood irrigation methods. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. "Before, watering our orchard took two to three days for two people, using 30 cubic meters of water per unit of land," Lu recalls. "Now, I can manage it alone in half a day, using only half the amount of water. It's a win-win for time, money, and effort."

The combined impact of dwarf planting and drip irrigation has significantly boosted apple production. Lu Jun, Party chief of Dugu village in Luochuan, explains, "This translates to an additional 0.5 tons of apples per unit of land, which translates to roughly 5,000 yuan ($688) more income for farmers."

Apples reign supreme in Luochuan, with a total planting area of more than 35,000 hectares, encompassing 83 percent of the cultivated land. Currently, 10,000 hectares are dedicated to dwarf apple trees, with plans to expand this area to 13,000 hectares by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25). These high-yield, high-efficiency orchards, driven by modern technology, have enabled standardized production of Luochuan apples, solidifying their brand value at a staggering 83 billion yuan, ranking first nationally.

Luochuan County has been designated as a pilot county for constructing a national-level demonstration zone dedicated to high-quality apple development in Shaanxi province.