BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- State Grid Shaxian Electric Power Company has propelled a harvest of persimmons with its electric drying technology in Zhenghu Township, Shaxian District, Sanming City, southeast China's Fujian Province, where the 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of persimmons have become a pillar industry for local farmers.
As a traditional specialty agricultural product of Shaxian County of Fujian, Zhenghu persimmon is characterized by its large fruit and sweet taste. The product is mostly sold as fresh fruit or processed into dried persimmon cakes.
The production of dried persimmon cakes includes various steps, such as selecting fruits, removing stems, peeling, drying, and sun-drying. However, due to factors like high air humidity, persimmons may rot during the sun-drying process, resulting in significant losses, according to local villagers.
Therefore, after learning about the challenges in preserving persimmons during planting and production, State Grid Shaxian Electric Power Company provides local farmers with intelligent drying technology through its electric heat pumps.
The smart temperature and humidity control system and wind circulation simulation system of the electric persimmon dryers not only improve the quality of persimmons, but also promote environmental protection and food safety.
The 3,000 mu of persimmons in Zhenghu Township are expected to yield 1,500 tonnes of fruit this year, generating an output value of more than 3.6 million yuan. (Edited by Yang Linlin with Xinhua Silk Road, linlinyanglyn@163.com)