Dingtao farmer reaps rewards of successful greenhouse pepper harvest

Gao's wife picks ripe peppers. [Photo by Li Dandan for chinadaily.com.cn]

In the depths of winter, entering the greenhouses of Zhouzhuang village in Bandi town, Dingtao district of Heze, Shandong province is like being transported to another world, with the warm air and lush peppers offering a respite from the bitter cold. 

With 20 years of experience in greenhouse cultivation, Gao Jihua, a resident of Zhouzhuang village, is currently busy harvesting ripe chili peppers alongside his family, making the most of his bountiful harvest.

"This year, the peppers I have cultivated are quite remarkable. The one I am holding in my hand is probably around 0.1 kilogram. They sell for over 6 yuan ($0.84) per kilogram, which is eight to 10 peppers, and they are very popular," said Gao.

Compared to regular chili peppers, these peppers have a shorter growth cycle, thinner skin, more crisp texture, and are spicier. They are also resistant to low temperatures, diseases, and boast high yields, making them very popular among growers and consumers. 

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Gao and his wife have planted these peppers. Thanks to the meticulous care of Gao and his wife, the peppers are of excellent quality, bringing them substantial profits. This success has further heightened the family's confidence in the future prospects of cultivating peppers. (Edited by Huang Junyao)