Innovation and reliable power supply give winegrowers bumper harvests

In early September, the grapevines at Shanghai Puguan Ecological Agriculture in Malu, Jiading district, spread a fragrant aroma.

Xu Wei and Tang Xiaowei from the Nanxiang Power Supply Service Center of State Grid Shanghai Jiading Power Supply visited the site recently to ensure the sound operation of equipment such as the electrical canopy curtains during the peak season.

Bunches of grapes such as Kyoho and Sunshine Rose hang from the vines. Nina Queen grapes, also known as the Hermes variety, are distinguished by their capturing pink color. Workers at the vineyard are busy removing anti-insect paper bags and preparing for the harvest.

Malu, with its drought-resistant and flood-tolerant soil, pleasant climate and ample sunlight, provides an ideal environment for growing grapes. In 1981, Kyoho grapes were first grown in Malu, marking the rise of viticulture and the prospect of improved incomes for the local farmers.

Malu grapes are known for their plump flesh, juiciness, sweet taste, thin skin and few seeds. The planting of the grapes gradually developed into a flagship agricultural industry in the region. Malu grapes were included in the third batch of the national list of high-quality new agricultural products in 2021.

Nearly 20 planting cooperatives have adopted digital management, covering a planting area exceeding 173 hectares. Digital management ensures comprehensive control from grape cultivation to sales. It can help provide consumers with enjoyable and healthy Malu grapes with excellent taste.

"With the introduction of semi-automated control devices, the quality of grapes has been ensured. We regulate the temperature inside the greenhouses using electrically controlled curtains and fans, to make sure they stay at a suitable environment for grape growth. Through the irrigation system, we provide precise fertilization for the grape vines," said one of the managers at Puguan.

The annual output of the plantation can reach 50 metric tons, and the quality of the grapes directly affects the sales price. The precise planting, comprehensive management and modern electrical equipment ensure the production and quality of the grapes. This progress would not have been possible without the extended power supply services provided by State Grid Shanghai Jiading Power Supply.

State Grid Shanghai Jiading Power Supply has attached great importance to the electricity usage of the Malu grape industry. Customer managers accurately connect with grape plantation managers, providing tailored analysis and specialized plans. The regional managers regularly visit plantations, enter greenhouses and inspect irrigation systems, fans, electric curtains and distribution control cabinets, and promptly address any electrical issues.

During peak electricity consumption periods such as spring and summer, the company's staff members closely monitor the electricity load of plantations, strengthen load forecasting and analysis, address any safety concerns regarding electricity usage from plantation workers and provide customized solutions.

Over the past five years, State Grid Shanghai Jiading Power Supply has built and upgraded 16.58 kilometers of 10-kilovolt power lines, installed 12 transformers and added 7,300 kilovolt-amperes of transformer capacity to better serve Malu’s grape cultivation. The company is fully committed to empowering rural vitalization, extending the power supply service chain and bridging the last mile of service for modern agriculture.