Bulgarian Fruit Base established in Pingnan

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2014-06-26

Elena, a raspberry-planting expert from the Bulgarian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, visited the fruit base of Fujian Yuhuang Agricultural Science and Technology Development Co Ltd in Fenshuitou, Lingxia Village, Pingnan County on June 21.

Elena introduces Bulgarian raspberries to Gaorong, Director of Pingnan’s Agricultural Bureau [Photo from Pingnan county government]

“Raspberries and blackberries grow well here. I’m full of confidence，” said Elena. During her visit to the fruit base, she praised the successful plantation of raspberries and blackberries, both national specialties of Bulgaria.

Elena introduces Bulgarian raspberries to Gaorong, Director of Pingnan’s Agricultural Bureau [Photo from Pingnan county government] Elena explained that, as a woody plant with high yields and few pests, raspberries are easy to plant without having to use pesticides. It bears fruits the same year as planting and produces enough to harvest within 3 years.

One year’s plantation will yield fruits for 12 consecutive years with a production of 800 to 1000 kilograms per mu, and sells at 70 yuan ($11.25) per kilogram. The raspberry fruit is rich in amino acids, vitamins and other anti-aging and anti-cancerous substances, and its roots, stems, leaves and fruits can all be used as medicine. It is internationally known as “golden berries” and “king of fruits”.

At present, Yuhuang has started cooperating with the Bulgarian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, with the Bulgarian side offering technical assistance and Yuhuang providing project funding.

There has already been 300 mu of Bulgarian cherries with 100,000 seedlings and 30 mu of Bulgarian raspberries, blackberries and blue berries with 10,000 seedlings in the greenhouse, which altogether form the only Bulgarian fruit base in Southern China.

Edited by Wang Yifei and Brian Salter