Honeydew melons grow at Shapotou District Modern Facility Agriculture Industrial Park. [Photo/Ningxia Daily]
The first phase of the Shapotou District Modern Facility Agriculture Industrial Park project, located in Zhongwei, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, commenced construction in February this year. Now, 31 multi-span greenhouses have been erected on this once sandy land, and 71.67 hectares of honeydew melons are being planted.
The project is a key initiative in Shapotou district to promote agricultural modernization and boost local incomes. With an investment of 49.8 million yuan ($7.34 million), the first phase is set to become a modern specialized honeydew melon base integrating standardized production, experimental demonstration, new variety exhibition, and cold chain warehousing and logistics.
"We utilize bee pollination, which results in more uniform pollination compared to artificial pollination, yielding melons with a more regular shape and higher sugar content," said Shi Xinhua, general manager of operations.
Upon completion, the park will provide 80 stable technical positions and 1,000 temporary labor positions, benefiting 692 households.