China's kiwifruit industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, propelled by the power of smart agriculture. This revolution is not just about technology; it's a journey towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the country's kiwifruit sector.
In the heart of Shaanxi Province, the newly established Zhouzhi Kiwifruit Integrated Development Demonstration Center is a testament to this change. Every step, from sorting to storage, is a symphony of precision and purpose.
The center's six-lane sorting line, a collaboration between Norwegian company TOMRA and Xi'an Urban Green Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd., ensures each kiwifruit is meticulously inspected, both inside and out. This attention to detail is a game-changer, as it guarantees the highest quality produce and lays the foundation for a premium brand.
But here's where it gets controversial: the center's commitment to off-season supply and 'ready-to-eat' freshness. With a high-standard intelligent cold storage facility capable of holding 20,000 tonnes, the center maintains a temperature fluctuation of just plus or minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. This precision ensures the fruit remains hydrated and fresh, enabling year-round sales.
He Liandi, director of Xi'an Urban Green Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd., explains, "The center is more than just a collection of machines. It aims to build a fully connected industrial chain, from variety development to brand building. Digital management platforms are key to this transformation, shifting traditional agricultural mindsets to modern industrial ones."
Shaanxi Province has recognized the kiwifruit industry as a key driver of modern specialty agriculture. Zhouzhi County, along with Meixian County in Baoji City, has utilized the favorable ecological conditions of the northern Qinling Mountains to advance standardized cultivation, technological innovation, and industrial chain expansion.
Zhouzhi, the native and primary origin of global kiwifruit, has launched nine 'enhancement projects' to upgrade its industry. These projects cover a range of areas, from variety improvement to digital agriculture, as explained by Wen Qiwei, Party secretary of Zhouzhi County.
The Zhouzhi Agricultural Science and Technology Experiment Station, founded in 1956, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Senior agricultural engineer Zhang Xiaobin highlights the station's focus on kiwifruit variety selection and new technology trials. "Our germplasm repository offers a wealth of genetic resources for developing new, high-quality, disease-resistant, and sweet varieties," he says.
The experiment station's trial demonstration bases are also key. By the end of this year, they plan to complete a 200-mu high-standard demonstration orchard. This, along with core technologies and standardized practices, will provide the technical support needed for high-quality industry development.
In 2023, the China-New Zealand Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Kiwifruit, Shaanxi Center, was established in Zhouzhi. Its focus on resistance breeding for kiwifruit canker and low-temperature adaptability is a significant step forward.
Zhouzhi County has also partnered with the College of Plant Protection at Northwest A&F University to establish an expert workstation led by Professor Huang Lili. This workstation will research disease control and post-harvest 'ready-to-eat' kiwifruit technologies, extending shelf life and enhancing market competitiveness.
Meixian's smart agriculture journey is equally impressive. Qi Feng, chairman of Shaanxi Qifeng Fruit Industry Co., Ltd., explains their collaboration with experts from Northwest A&F University to develop a digital kiwifruit cultivation system.
By integrating various data with IoT, AI modeling, and intelligent equipment, they've created a 'monitoring-decision-execution' full-chain technology system. This system has led to significant reductions in water and fertilizer usage, a decrease in pesticide use, and an increase in yield.
Qifeng Fruit has also introduced a 'three-level dividend' model for standardized cultivation, ensuring benefits for both village collectives and farm operators.
The third China kiwifruit expo, held in Meixian from September 19 to 21, showcased the industry's progress. With over 200 exhibition booths, the event displayed new technologies and products, resulting in sales agreements for 41,900 tonnes of kiwifruit, worth over 410 million yuan.
Meixian's kiwifruit industry is not just thriving domestically; it's expanding globally. Qifeng Fruit has established a local planting base in Chile, ensuring year-round supply and exporting to 32 countries and regions.
This is a story of innovation, sustainability, and global reach. China's kiwifruit industry is setting a new standard, and the world is taking notice.
What do you think? Is smart agriculture the future of the kiwifruit industry, or are there potential pitfalls we should consider? Share your thoughts in the comments!
