Bumper Harvest for Rushan Ginger in Shandong Fuels Growth of “Ginger Town”

WEIHAI, China, Nov. 18, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

As one of the “Three Treasures of Rushan,” Rushan ginger has entered its peak harvest season. At the Yuqingchen Family Farm in Dagushan Town, Rushan City, farmers are hard at work in well-coordinated teams, efficiently completing each step — from digging up the soil and pulling the ginger to shaking off the dirt and trimming the stalks. The freshly harvested ginger bulbs boast plump shapes and vibrant hues, showcasing their premium quality.

“With 30 mu (2 hectares) of ginger under cultivation this year, the harvest will span about two weeks. Our yield per mu has increased by 500 to 750 kg compared to last year, reaching approximately 5,000 kg per mu,” said Zhang Xianming, the farm manager. To boost efficiency, the farm introduced mechanical harvesters this season, significantly accelerating operations. After sorting, superior-quality ginger will be stored in specialized cellars awaiting favorable market conditions. Zhang plans to expand cultivation to 100–300 mu (6.6–20 hectares) next year while trialing new ginger varieties to enhance profitability. 

Dagushan Town, a primary ginger production hub in Rushan, has cultivated ginger for generations, with multiple villages now recognized as “specialized ginger cultivation communities.” Leveraging its agricultural strengths, the town has adopted collaborative development models to standardize management practices across enterprises, cooperatives, and family farms, improving both yield and quality. The local government is also extending the industry chain through value-added processing, with key support for local brands like “Jiangbulao” (Aging-Resistant Ginger) to develop premium products, create jobs, and boost farmer incomes.

Additionally, Dagushan has established partnerships with institutions such as China Agricultural University and Shandong Agricultural University to build integrated industrial bases for production, education, research, and processing. These collaborations aim to strengthen its reputation as a “Ginger Town.” Future plans include cooperating with research institutes and enterprises, and introducing innovative varieties like substrate-cultivated and selenium-enriched ginger to elevate the brand’s influence.

Designated as a National Geographic Indication Protected Product, Rushan ginger remains a pillar of the local economy and a vital income source for farmers. Its sustainable development is accelerating rural revitalization and injecting momentum into Rushan’s agricultural modernization efforts.

Source: Information Office of Rushan Municipal People’s Government