Zucchini industry's prosperity bolsters rural economy

Feixian county in East China's Shandong province recently celebrated a bumper harvest consisting of over 10,000 mu (approximately 666.67 hectares) of zucchini.

Villagers pick and sort zucchinis inside a greenhouse in Feixian county, Shandong province. [Photo by Zhao Zijian for chinadaily.com.cn]

The zucchini planting industry in the county has a long-standing history and was chosen as one of the initial recipients of the national recognition for excellent agricultural products in 2023.

To further enhance farmers' incomes, Feixian county has enhanced the development of processed vegetables, including fresh-cut vegetables, freeze-dried products and pre-packaged vegetables.

The county also focuses on the research and development of dietary functional foods to complement the deep processing segment of the zucchini industry.

To ensure longer market entry time and extended sales periods, Feixian county has constructed refrigerated storage facilities. This infrastructure enables farmers to extend the shelf life of their products, which improves their revenues.

As a result of these initiatives, the zucchini industry in the county has become the leading industry in the town and has an annual output value of over 80 million yuan ($11.21 million), which is double the value of agricultural products in the region. (Edited by He Yuge)