Binchuan is famous for its grapes in Yunnan. Last year, the output value of agriculture in the county reached 13 billion yuan. In the first half of this year, it produced 210,000 metric tons of fruit.
The industry also drives local employment. One supplier of grapes said that in peak season, some farms hire part-time workers to help test for sweetness, and they can earn about 8,000 yuan a month. The selection and packaging process also creates many jobs.
Prices have dropped significantly as a result of overplanting. Now, shine muscats command only 40 to 60 yuan per kg, but sales on Meituan grew 120 percent in August compared to last year.
However, growers are not too worried about the drop in price. "It shows the market is becoming more regulated and rational. Besides, if more customers can afford them and more want to buy them, farmers can sell more.”
[ 1 yuan = €0.14 ]
Source: chinadaily.com.cn