JINAN: Even though Sun Bingwu, 58, has tended to all of his 12 mu (about 0.8 hectares) of winter jujube trees, only a small part of his task has been completed. Sun has lots more work to do, because many orchardists in other regions are waiting for him to instruct them in the art of winter jujube planting.
Sun, who hails from Zhanhua District of Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, is dubbed “master of winter jujube planting” by locals. As one of China’s main winter jujube-producing areas, Zhanhua saw the output of winter jujube reach 315,000 tonnes in 2022. Having planted jujube for 15 years, Sun has gained much experience.
“We have recently developed an eco-friendly biological agent as replacement for agricultural chemicals,” said Sun. “Many people from other provinces are interested in it.”
The significant output of winter jujube in Zhanhua can be largely attributed to the fertile alkalescent lands of the Yellow River Delta, which are very suitable for growing jujube in winter. The advancement of agricultural technology means that winter jujube trees can now also adapt to the natural environment of many other places. Hence, experts like Sun have become busier as their experience is needed to guide orchardists in other regions.
“Now about 2 million mu of winter jujube is planted across China and people can spot winter jujube trees in 19 provincial-level regions, including Hainan and Xinjiang,” said Yu Hongchang, director of the winter jujube research institute in Zhanhua.
The upgrading of plastic greenhouses is one of the main drivers helping winter jujube trees to flourish. –Agencies
