Flower farmer Li Jianjun shares his experience of getting rich through hard work
A few days ago, walking into Li Jianjun's flower greenhouse, the sight of pink everywhere was a delight to the eyes, and the flowers blooming in competition formed a sharp contrast with the bleak scenery outside the greenhouse. Looking at the Gerbera daisies in full bloom in the greenhouse, 54-year-old Li Jianjun wore a smile he could not hide: "This path has really been the right one to 'break' into! Judging by the current flower prices, the returns from these three greenhouses of flowers should be pretty good."
Li Jianjun can be considered a veteran farmer with rich experience in Barun Bieli Town, Alxa Left Banner, having struggled in the fields for more than ten years. From initially growing field crops to later growing in greenhouses, his living conditions gradually improved. But he was not satisfied with the status quo; every time a new variety suitable for planting appeared, he was among the first to try something "fresh." For Li Jianjun, farming is not only a means of supporting his family, but also a hobby; he finds meaning and feels joy in constantly trying to grow new varieties. "In recent years, the returns from greenhouse cultivation have been getting lower and lower, and it is simply impossible to go on without transforming and seeking a breakthrough, while Alxa has fertile land and four distinct seasons, which is very suitable for flower cultivation," Li Jianjun said.
In 2015, Li Jianjun visited a flower cultivation base in Yinchuan and began wondering whether he could grow fresh flowers in greenhouses himself. Once he had this idea, he immediately began conducting market research and learned knowledge related to flower cultivation through books, the internet, field visits and other means. After nearly a year of "recharging," he began to start growing fresh flowers. Because the costs were relatively high, he planted only three greenhouses this year. When choosing flower seedling varieties, experienced growers in Yinchuan advised him to try not to grow roses, because roses are rather delicate and prone to pests and diseases. But it was precisely this remark that stirred Li Jianjun's unwillingness to admit defeat, and he competed with himself: "As long as I am willing to put my heart into it and work hard, how could I possibly fail to grow roses well?"
Last August, Li Jianjun planted roses, carnations and Gerbera daisies in three greenhouses respectively. He observed the flower seedlings from early morning till late at night every day, almost to the point of living in the greenhouses, and his family could hardly bear to see him working so hard. He told the reporter that the first cultivation must be done with care, as only then could a foundation be laid for future planting, and only after he himself understood and mastered it could he pass on experience to others.
After nearly half a year of growth, the fresh flowers finally formed buds and bloomed. "After these three greenhouses of fresh flowers successfully overwintered, the survival rate could reach 80% to 90%. Some time ago, demand for fresh flowers was high; however many I had here, the flower shops in Yinchuan wanted that many. In addition, by developing sales channels with local flower shops myself, quite a few Bayanhot residents also ordered from me, and fresh flower sales were pretty good," Li Jianjun said.
Speaking of future development plans, Li Jianjun looked firm: "As long as this cultivation succeeds, the road ahead will be easier. If conditions permit, I will continue to expand the planting scale and share my cultivation experience with other villagers, so that everyone can take the path of industrial transformation together. In this way, we can supply in bulk, develop as a group, and be better able to withstand market risks."