November is the time when Shaanxi apples arrive in the markets. However, farmers from Liquan, Shitan, Nanfang, Xuangan, Zhuantou and Qian counties are having a hard time of it. The once-popular Qinguan apples can now only be sold for one-tenth of the original price and it's difficult to good prospects for them. Farmers began to cultivate Qinguan apples in Liquan and Qian counties in the '80s. The Qinguan variety is resistant to cold and drought and it's easy to manage and preserve.
The reason why customers are losing interest in Qinguan apples is the increasing level of people's wealth. Standards of living are improving and customers' demands for fruits are becoming more sophisticated. From "eatable" they changed to "delicious, good-looking, nutritious and safe". New varieties such as Red Fuji, Ruiyang, Ruixue and Pink Lady took Qinguan apples' place on the market and the price of Qinguan apples began to decline. Now they are used mostly for juice or as an ingredient. Since the juice industry hasn't shown much development for the last few years, Qinguan apple farmers don't have any other choice but to sell them at the lowest cost.
Source: China Business Daily
