Xichuan fruits shine at iFresh Expo

Soft-seed pomegranate production in Xichuan county, Nanyang, became a highlight of the 2016 iFresh China Fruit & Vegetable Expo for its juicy taste and fresh luster.

Organized by the China Society of Inspection and Quarantine, China Fruit Marketing Association and iFresh Information Ltd, the expo is a professional trade exhibition for the producers, distributors, service providers and retailers of fresh fruit and vegetables worldwide.

The 9th expo was held at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) from Nov 14 to 16, with an exhibition area covering over 15,000 square meters, over 500 exhibitors and 15,000 professional visitors.

The booth exhibiting Xichuan-produced pomegranates was crowded with fruits retailers and experts tasting the mouthwatering fruit, and consulting detailed information referring to cooperation projects. The spectacular occasion roused CCTV 7's attention, inspiring them to give on-the-spot coverage.

Xichuan, a county which houses Asia's largest artificial lake, Danjiangkou Reservoir, was honored as a protection zone for national top level drinking water. Boasting unique natural advantages, Xichuan has an ideal climate for cultivating pomegranates, whose juice rates are as high as 91 percent.

Taking advantages of Xichuan's rich natural resources and adhering to the national policy of green development, the local government has introduced various leading enterprises for pomegranate cultivation and provides preferential policies and technological support.

Statistics show that Xichuan has attracted 120 million yuan ($17.4 million) to cultivate an extra of 16,000 mu (1,067 hectares) of pomegranates, giving a great boost to the local agriculture and economy.