Pingyao natives assist rural economy

A delegation led by Wang Dongguang, vice-chairman of the Pingyao Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visited Pingyao's Geta village where the local businessman, Cao Xu, introduced granadilla planting.

Granadillas are widely planted in warm and moist areas of South China, especially in Hainan province, for their passion fruit.

In light of the plant's promising economic benefits, Cao Xu, now vice-director of Pingyao Chamber of Commerce in Jinzhong, introduced and successfully cultivated the plant in Dongquan town following trials lasting five years.

Four greenhouses currently grow around 600 granadillas, which can live for as long as 10 years. Each stem produces at least 100 passion fruits per year and each fruit retails at 5 yuan ($0.76), bringing considerable economic benefits, according to Cao.

"The granadilla is good for the planting industry in our village and is a boost to economic restructuring," said Zhang Yongwu, Party secretary of Geta village.

The plant grows well and its fruit has entered local supermarkets.

In the meantime, Cao Xu has signed agreements with the government of Dongquan town to work together to develop local industries and reduce poverty.

The delegation from CPPCC Pingyao Committee, led by Wang Dongguang, also visited other villages in Dongquan town to see the growth of another promoted farm product – glutinous sorghum. Wang expressed his hopes that more Pingyao-born businesspeople will put forward their suggestions on the industrial development of their hometown.