Infographic Photo by Jin Kaihua
In Maxiao Village, Qingliangfeng Town, Lin'an, forester Chen Dabo is weeding in a pecan forest. Recently, foresters in the pecan-producing areas of Lin'an have been preparing for a busy and happy day.
"White dew, bamboo pole shakes", referring to pecans. The reporter learned from the Lin'an District Agricultural and Rural Bureau that after the study of the Lin'an District Government, it was decided that the unified opening time of pecans this year will be September 7, that is, the traditional Bailu festival.
In the early stage, Lin'an District organized technical personnel and experts from Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University to conduct field research on the main production areas. Judging from the survey, this year's pecan production has decreased compared with last year. Ding Lizhong, chief expert of pecan technology promotion in Lin'an, told reporters that the total output of pecans last year was 15,100 tons, and this year's output is expected to decrease by 20% year-on-year.
"The main reason is that some of the main production areas such as island stones are pecan small years, coupled with the drought last winter and too much rainfall in the first half of this year, which affected production." Ding Lizhong said that for pecans, their growth needs to go through 4 key links, such as the flowering and fruiting period at the end of April, which requires good weather; during the first expansion of the fruit in June, there needs to be sufficient rain; mid-July to mid-to-late August is the accumulation period of fruit nutrients, and there can be no continuous high temperature and dry weather.
"Due to too much rain and too little light in the first half of this year, the nutrient accumulation of pecans this year is not enough, and the overall empty seed rate will be slightly higher than last year, affecting the seed yield." Ding Lizhong said.
So, will the quality of pecans be affected? Ding Lizhong said that because of the continuous sunny days in the early stage, the oil accumulation and transformation of pecan seeds were relatively good, and it is expected that the nutrition and aroma of pecans will be better this year, and the taste of the finished product will be better.
As for the price of pecans, Ding Lizhong said that there may be an increase. According to their understanding, last year's pickled walnut seed purchase price was about 20 yuan per kilogram, and this year's pecan purchase price is about 25 yuan per kilogram, and the market price after frying is expected to be about 50 yuan per kilogram. "Depending on the size of the pecans and the quality control, the price will vary relatively."
The relevant person in charge of the Lin'an District Agricultural and Rural Bureau also told reporters that although affected by the epidemic, the entire sales channel of pecans is relatively smooth at present, especially under the live streaming and brand promotion, last year's pecan inventory was basically exhausted, so after the opening of the pole this year, the price and sales may be better.
Pecans on September 7 unified opening, the pecans that were beaten down had to go through more than ten processes such as de-pu, screening, drying, artificial water floating, soaking, steaming, frying, and cooling, in order to become a delicious pecan. Under normal circumstances, consumers can eat the first batch of pecans of the year in mid-September.
At the same time, the Lin'an District Agricultural and Rural Bureau also suggested that the towns in the production area continue to increase the promotion of natural fruit fall and net harvesting while strengthening supervision to ensure the quality and brand of Lin'an pecans.