Shanghai must be one of the most exciting cities in the world if you are urban based, into industrial development and want to make lots of money. Let us ignore global warming air pollution and labour exploitation, for the moment, for the purposes of this blog.
It was, anyway, somewhat surprising for the Farmers Weekly Farm Study Tour to be told they were to see one of China's most forward looking horticultural facilities in the city's northern suburbs. But there, among sprawling industrial estates, we found the Sun Qiao Modern Agricultural Development Area.
Extending to only a handful of hectares it seemed to be a cross between a research centre, a demonstration unit and a commercial operation. But it was, as it said on the label, one of the most modern agri/horti/enterprises we had seen in two weeks of touring the country. There were modern greenhouses with automated atmosphere control, hydroponic production and advanced plant cloning techniques. We could almost have been in Holland or Japan. Moreover, the centre regularly attracts experts from those countries to guide them in their research and techniques.
Inside the glasshouses there were tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuces, peppers and grapes, clearly intended for a more sophisticated market than we had seen on the streets on the way there. They were destined, we were told, for hotels like that where we were staying and for the growing number of MacDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets we had seen in the City. Thirty percent of the profits made from selling to such high value markets was invested in further research. The other 70% went for investment in further facilities and glasshouses and the Chinese government added another RMB20mill (£1.5m).
More surprisingly there was a significant area of glass devoted to producing potted trees, shrubs and flowers suitable for interior landscaping. These were to be used in offices in the forests of skyscrapers across Shanghai's skyline.
In a country that used to be almost totally preoccupied with food self sufficiency from its farming and horticulture such a development was remarkable. China is clearly responding to western demands for enhanced environments. We had seen it in lines of trees beside motorways around Beijing in preparation for the 2008 Olympics. But here was the same phenomenon only more so. China is westernising at a rate unimaginable only a few years ago.
Comments (2)
Follow in Davids footsteps and experience China for yourself. Ring Carolyne on 01636 705612 for details.
Posted by Carolyne Cree | May 30, 2007 10:40 AM
Posted on May 30, 2007 10:40
Cloning plants from a stem cutting is a very delicate procedure and often results in a significant percentage of cuttings dying before they can take root.
Posted by Crusey | June 13, 2008 5:23 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 05:23