Chinese toon trees drive rural development in Shandong’s district

The Chinese toon grown in Qimaobu village, Laiwu district, Jinan is aromatic and rich in nutrients. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Qimaobu village, Laiwu district, Jinan, a specialized co-op for fruit and vegetable cultivation has significantly boosted the village's Chinese toon production.

Qimaobu village's unique soil composition and ecological environment are ideal for the growth of Chinese toon trees. The Chinese toon produced here is highly aromatic and rich in nutrients, making it popular in the market. However, constrained by traditional open-field cultivation methods, the sales cycle was short, preventing it from becoming a pillar industry for the village.

Since the establishment of the cooperative in recent years, members have acquired specialized knowledge and skills in cultivation from various parts of China. They have secured over 60 mu (4 hectares) of collective fields and more than 50 households of investing villagers. Two new greenhouses have been built that have brought the total number of Chinese toon trees planted in the village to over 90,000.

Qi Zhanfang, Party secretary of Qimaobu village, says that the trees in the greenhouse are not the regular tall kind but are dwarf trees planted using intensive cultivation techniques. These Chinese toon trees are harvested starting from late November until May, just before the regular, non-greenhouse Chinese toon hits the market, which sells for four times the price.

With the continuous expansion of cultivation, the cooperative has increased local employment opportunities that help poor households increase their income. As of now, the combined income of the village has increased by over 60,000 yuan ($8,455). (Edited by Li Weiwei)