In recent days, villagers were busy picking black winter melons and loading up a truck at the planting base in Geyu Village, Malichang Town, Huayuan County, with large winter melons hanging on green vines.
The black winter melon is a common vegetable with a single one weighing over 20 kilograms. It has advantages such as high yield and long storage period.
With a crisp and light taste, it can clear heat, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling. According to the head of the base, Shi Jinbao, black winter melons have been harvested since July 20 this year and have been delivered to Huaihua, Changsha, Shanghai, Zhejiang and other places, totaling more than 2 million kilograms.
“This year, more than 300 mu (20 hectares) of winter melons I planted have had a bumper harvest. These are the last batch of melons this year, weighing about 3,5000 kilograms, which will be sold to Changsha and Huaihua with the price of 1.2 yuan. After deducting labor costs and dividends, I can get a profit of two million yuan,” said Shi Jinbao.
“I planted 15 mu (1 hectare) of black winter melons for the first time this year and earned over 10,000 yuan per mu (about 0.067 hectares). Next year I plan to expand the planting area,” said a grower.
As black winter melons are easily cultivated, with strong adaptability, high yield and stability, large size and weight, and long supply period, some farmers have tried growing them.
Nowadays, the cultivation of black winter melons brings considerable economic income to local farmers and provides jobs for some rural laborers.
“I have been planting winter melons for three years and have also mobilized several farmers to plant them together. I’m happy to hear that they have had considerable income. Now I want to expand the scale and provide technology, seedlings, and sales channels for those who want to grow winter melons in the surrounding areas, hoping all villagers can become rich together,” said Shi Jinbao.
Chinese source: hunantoday
