Growing grapes fulfills Chen Guozheng's dream of prosperity

Chen Guozheng, 60 years old this year, is a villager of Group 2, Zhenxi Village, Zhenluo Town, Shapotou District. Since 2006, he has been growing Pearl Seedless grapes in his own greenhouse, and he has kept at it ever since. This year, Chen Guozheng and his wife expanded their planting with another greenhouse of Pearl Seedless grapes, continuing to weave their dream of prosperity through grapes.

On November 1, the reporter came to Chen Guozheng's Pearl Seedless grape greenhouse. The grapevines had grown to almost the height of a person, and clusters of grape berries like pearls hung heavily on the vines. Old Chen told the reporter that this kind of grape hits the market in large quantities every December, and because it is an off-season variety and has thin skin and sweet flesh, it sells especially well every year. The grape yield of one greenhouse is more than 2,500 kilograms a year, with a net income of about 30,000 yuan.

Chen Guozheng said that after growing Pearl Seedless grapes for so many years, quite a few people have taken a fancy to this variety and come to his door to "learn from him." In July this year, after discussing it with his wife and son, Chen Guozheng boldly decided to grow his own seedlings and then expand with another greenhouse of the same grape variety. With years of planting experience, the newly raised grape seedlings have grown very well, which gave Chen Guozheng even more confidence.

Besides grapes, Chen Guozheng also grows a greenhouse of protected vegetables. Over all these years, Chen Guozheng knows very well in his heart that growing grapes is not only far more profitable than growing vegetables, but also saves more time and effort than growing vegetables. Although the newly raised grape seedlings need 3 years to grow and bear fruit, Chen Guozheng is still very optimistic about the market prospects of Pearl Seedless grapes.

"I have another idea. After my new greenhouse of grapes succeeds, I want to encourage the surrounding people to also develop grape growing, so that everyone can increase their income and become prosperous together." Facing the reporter's camera, Chen Guozheng, already in his sixties, said sheepishly.

Though prosperous himself, he still keeps his fellow villagers in mind. Year after year, day after day, Chen Guozheng and his wife shuttle among several greenhouses, creating through their hardworking hands the life they want.