As we step into the ginger harvesting season, the vibrant green ginger leaves sway gently in the breeze at the ginger cultivation base in Zhaojiacun Village, Liqingu Town, Dingzhou City, Hebei Province. The fresh aroma of ginger mingles with the earthy scent of the soil, creating a delightful sensory experience.
On October 22, villagers are busy harvesting ginger from the fields. Zhao Lipo, the head of Dingzhou Henshen Family Farm, beams with pride as he holds up some freshly dug ginger. “We grow Northern big ginger, known for its large size, thick flesh, bright yellow color, and strong fragrance. This year, we’re seeing an average yield of about 13,000 pounds per acre. Right now, the market is favorable, with prices at around 2.9 yuan per pound, generating about 20,000 yuan in profit per acre,” he shares enthusiastically.
Zhaojiacun Village enjoys a mild climate, with loose, well-aerated soil that is perfect for ginger cultivation. Since starting ginger farming in 2022, Henshen Family Farm has expanded from a few dozen acres to over 300 acres today, shipping out more than 60 tons daily. The ginger is sold both domestically, including markets in Shandong, and internationally across Europe and America.
To ensure optimal freshness and storage of the ginger, Zhao Lipo mentions, “We’ve invested over 700,000 yuan to build a cold storage facility covering 1.1 acres, which allows us to time our sales according to market conditions.”
With the growth of the ginger industry in Zhaojiacun Village, several job opportunities have been created for local residents. Zhao Lihui, a villager, explains, “I’ve been working here since the farm started, which allows me to earn a living while taking care of my family. It’s quite convenient.” He adds that he typically manages tasks like weeding and mulching, and during the harvest period, he earns about 100 yuan each day.
In recent years, Liqingu Town has effectively leveraged its natural resources to optimize agricultural structures. By implementing a “family farm + base + households” model, the town has encouraged villagers to specialize in ginger cultivation, which not only diversifies their food supply but also increases their income. Moreover, the town has been proactive in promoting innovative planting and management techniques, inviting provincial agricultural experts to share valuable insights on ginger cultivation, care, disease management, and storage, boosting farmers’ confidence.
“The increase in yield and the strong market demand have naturally led to the expansion of ginger farming,” says Qi Jingwei, the deputy mayor of Liqingu Town. Looking ahead, the town plans to continue consolidating resources to explore the development of a deep processing industry for ginger, aiming to enhance product value and promote large-scale, industrialized ginger farming.
