Grapes boost rural village's economy in Shandong province

In the village of Wanglukou – administered by the Dingtao district of Heze city, in East China's Shandong province – farmers have been busy picking and transporting crates of local grapes recently.

Currently the grape planting area in the village covers over 500 mu (33.33 hectares), with over 30 high-quality grape varieties being cultivated.

Over 60 villagers are now engaged in grape cultivation, which has increased the annual grape output to 1,500 metric tons and generated an annual sales income of 6 million yuan ($825,116).

Two women sort out grapes in Wanglukou village. [Photo by Liu Tianyu for chinadaily.com.cn]

The village has a long history of grape cultivation and its excellent geographical conditions – including suitable climate and abundant water – have ensured the high quality and taste of its grapes.

What's more, the village has established a cooperative to enhance technology, management, packaging and sales. This has increased productivity and efficiency while forging a united community of farmers.

The success of the cooperative has garnered praise from neighboring provinces and counties, attracting dealers and public interest in the village's grape crop. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)