Kiwifruit harvest kicks off peak sales season in Yichang

By Chen Si.

Yichang’s kiwifruit harvest season began in September, with the industry’s total output value expected to reach 600 million yuan (US$84 million) this year.

Internationally recognized as the origin of kiwifruit, Yichang benefits from a favorable climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, creating ideal conditions for cultivation.

Kiwifruit in Wuduhe Town

On September 17, many tourists visited Zheng Jianghu’s orchard in Wuduhe Town to pick fresh kiwifruit. Zheng, who started planting a decade ago, has become a local expert. He has developed five varieties, including yellow, red, and green kiwifruit, with annual yields consistently exceeding 10,000 kilograms.

“We’re currently selling red kiwifruit at around 30 yuan per kilogram. This year’s harvest should surpass 15,000 kilograms, bringing in at least 400,000 yuan,” Zheng said.

Tourist Xu Hua added: “I bought kiwifruit here last year and they were really delicious. This year, I brought friends with me, and we plan to visit again during the National Day holiday.”

In recent years, Wuduhe has focused on variety improvement, orchard renewal, and ecological farming. With better techniques and scientific management, the quality of kiwifruit has greatly improved. Today, over 2,800 farmers in the town grow kiwifruit across 6,800 mu (453 hectares), making it one of Yichang’s main production areas.

As National Day approaches, yellow and green kiwifruit are set to hit the market, ushering in the peak sales season.

“Currently, Yichang’s kiwifruit planting area has reached 27,000 mu, with over 20 main varieties including 'Cuiyu,' 'Hongyang,' and 'Mantianhong No. 2,’” said Liao Wenyue, Vice President of the Yichang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. “The industry is expected to achieve an output value of 600 million yuan this year.”

Jie Xingwei and Yan Shijie contributed to this story.