Chinese farmers plant a chemical-free future

(China Financial Service Network) Updated: 2014-04-04 17:46

The project was funded by the Global Environment Facility with the aim of helping the Chinese government fulfill its obligations under the Stockholm Convention. Its main focus was to reduce releases of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and to eliminate use of DDT and dicofols in agricultural production..

POPs are a major environmental concern due to their persistence, long-range transportability, bio-accumulation, and potentially adverse effects on living organisms. Reducing them will enhance ecological protection, food safety, and human health.

Now, three demonstration project sites with training facilities, along with farmer field schools, are operating in Shaanxi, Hubei, and Shandong provinces in China. More than 95,000 farmers, like Dang, have been trained, as well as over 800 technicians.

Now in Luochuan, the price of apples has increased from 2 yuan per kilogram to 6 yuan. Farmers' incomes are bearing witness to this significant change, and so is the local environment.

In Yidu, in Hubei province, XiongJiachun has adopted new techniques after growing citrus fruits for two decades. The demand for his produce now exceeds supply, and his income has doubled several times over.

The success of the pilot project has fuelled the desire of local farmers to learn more. Many have abandoned use of toxic pesticides and are embracing new techniques, turning to healthier and more eco-friendly ways of supporting agricultural production.

Their produce has attained international convention and trading standard requirements. As a result, they are now finding markets overseas.

Based on the success of the demonstration project, a national-level promotional plan has been rolled out. More and more farmers, consumers, and local ecosystems will benefit from the new techniques.

The old farmer told us he will continue to grow apples and support his grandchildren in their further education, but now he has another wish: to go live onstage on China Central Television and share folk songs from his hometown.