In the Tongnan district of Chongqing, the lemon sector, with its annual yield of 330,000 metric tons from 21,000 hectares, is transforming technology. Chongqing Huida Lemon Technology Group is at the forefront, processing lemons into a diverse range of over 300 products, including cosmetics, fruit teas, and various foods. Xu Xiaoling, the deputy general manager of Huida, highlighted the company's commitment to deep processing, which has allowed them to utilize over 200,000 tons of lemons annually, including those that are not visually appealing. This approach has not only solved the problem of unsold lemons but has also significantly increased their market value.
Chen Yu, an orchard worker, shared his experience of how, despite 20 percent of his orchard's production being 'ugly' lemons, all 400 tons were bought by local enterprises last year, significantly boosting his income. The value addition through deep processing is stark, with fresh lemons experiencing price volatility, while processed products like freeze-dried lemon slices and lemon-infused facial masks command much higher prices.
Other enterprises in Tongnan, such as Chongqing Mengtai Biotechnology, are innovating by using every part of the lemon, including extracting pectin from lemon peels for use in pharmaceuticals and food products. Mengtai's vice president of the research and development department, Liu Yancheng, emphasized the shift towards self-sufficiency in pectin production, a critical raw material. Mengtai's new production line, capable of processing 100,000 tons of lemons annually, is a testament to this effort, producing 2,000 tons of pectin and extending the industry chain with products like gummy candy and lemon oil.
With 32 lemon processing enterprises, Tongnan has developed over 400 deep processing technologies and secured more than 30 national invention patents. The district's strategy includes collaboration with research institutions to breed lemons with higher vitamin C content and the use of drones and digital technologies to improve cultivation, processing, and sales efficiency. This technological integration is expected to enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and support the district's agricultural development, contributing to an annual output value exceeding $1.1 billion and the creation of 100,000 jobs.
Fu Qiang, director of Tongnan's lemon industry development station, underscored the role of technological innovation in advancing agricultural and rural modernization, enhancing farmers' livelihoods, and promoting rural vitalization.
Source: China Daily