In early summer, the hills of Xiaoniu'er Village in Sha'ba Town, Maoxian County, are lush with green Fushi Ruixue apple trees, their branches laden with young fruit. On May 19th, the busiest period for local orchardists was underway: the critical task of fruit thinning and selection.
Premium soil and water nurture premium fruit. Nestled in the high-altitude Heishui River Valley, Xiaoniu'er Village benefits from ample sunlight, significant day-night temperature variations, and, most importantly, soil and water naturally rich in strontium. This rare element contributes to the Ruixue apple's uniform shape, crisp texture, and juicy sweetness, a signature recognized in the market. In recent years, the Fushi Ruixue apple has become a cornerstone for increasing farmers' incomes in Sha'ba Town.
Managing an orchard is akin to raising children; necessary 'load reduction' is essential. Zhang Zhonggui, who cultivates 13 acres of apples, has five acres bearing fruit this year. While pleased with the abundant young fruit, he also faces a dilemma: excessive fruiting can lead to inadequate nutrition, resulting in smaller, uneven-quality fruit and potentially a reduced yield the following year. To address this, he invited agricultural expert Shun Bin from Maoxian's Fengyi Town to his orchard.
Shun Bin began with a hands-on demonstration: "This is the crucial period for young fruit expansion; don't be reluctant to thin. Keep only the best fruit on each spur and remove all the small, misshapen, or overcrowded ones." Crouching in the field, he explained while pruning, surrounded by attentive farmers.
Following the guidance, Zhang Zhonggui gained confidence. He estimates his five acres of fruiting trees will yield over 20,000 jin this season. "With expert guidance on-site, the fruit grows more evenly, ensuring better quality and more stable income," he said with a smile.
Selective thinning, though seemingly a reduction, is an addition to profitability. Improving the rate of premium fruit directly enhances the commercial yield and market competitiveness. Currently, the fruit-thinning work for Sha'ba Town's 1,000 acres of Fushi Ruixue apples is progressing systematically. Town officials stated they will regularly invite agricultural technicians to provide on-site support, further polishing the "Fushi Ruixue" brand and solidifying this small apple's role as a reliable "fruit of prosperity" for the local community.
Transitioning from extensive planting to meticulous management, Sha'ba Town's dedicated care this season aims for a bountiful harvest when autumn arrives.
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