Zhongmu's watermelon boom sweetens local economy

Under the bright sunshine, the vast watermelon fields in Zhongmu county of Zhengzhou, Henan province, are thriving with juicy watermelons, bringing fortune to the locals.

Zhongmu is renowned as the "Hometown of Watermelons". The watermelon sector spans farming, processing, and sales. It employs around 80,000 people and generates an annual output value of 800 million yuan (approximately $110 million), according to local authorities.

Ma Jie, head of the agricultural production department at the local rural affairs commission, said that local farmers used to grow a diverse range of watermelons, including large traditional varieties and smaller "Xiaodiao" versions. However, planting trends have evolved, with Xiaodiao watermelons now dominating the fields.

"To ensure quality, we've partnered with research institutions to develop superior varieties and eco-friendly farming techniques. The Xiaodiao watermelons now account for over 80 percent of Zhongmu's watermelon cultivation," Ma said.

From cultivation and processing to sales and agritourism, Zhongmu's watermelon industry has formed a complete value chain, creating jobs and invigorating the local economy, Ma added.

"Every June in the traditional Chinese calendar is the prime time for making watermelon jam," said Wang Xiaopo, a local who sets aside watermelons each year specifically for the processed food product.

Li Zexi, 32, who runs a local company that sells watermelon jam online and offline, has witnessed the sauce's journey of evolving into a cherished delicacy.

"For our grandparents, this sauce was for survival - a condiment to add flavor when meat was scarce," said Li. "But today, urban buyers crave it for childhood memories."

Li works with scientific research institutions in the food sector and a local agricultural vocational school.

"We're actively pushing forward with these efforts to bring new life to the traditional sauce," Li said.