County in Shandong enjoys bumper harvest of chili peppers

Villagers pick chili peppers in Linqu town. [Photo by Li Dan for chinadaily.com.cn]

The chili pepper planting base in Linpu town – in Juancheng county, located in East China's Shandong province – is an arresting sight, with red and green peppers hanging on the branches like festive lanterns.

More than 100 villagers are now busy harvesting the ripe peppers, which are in high demand in the market.

The base grows two varieties of chili peppers, the Yanhong 816 variety and the Shengjiao variety, which are known for their strong spiciness and finger-shaped fruit. The peppers are about 7.5 centimeters long and can be used for various dishes.

According to the base manager, they're sold to customers from both inside and outside the province and the daily output is quickly loaded and shipped.

Juancheng county has been developing its planting industry in recent years, aiming to increase its agricultural efficiency and the incomes of its farmers.

The county has also expanded the channels for industry development and promoted the brand building of local products. (Edited by Fan Yuanyuan)