Greenhouse sponge gourds drive rural vitalization in Taizhou

Sponge gourd enters its peak season in Cangchang village, Taizhou. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

To explore new paths for rural vitalization, Cangchang village in Yuduo town, Jiangyan district, Taizhou, has launched a pilot project this year to cultivate sponge gourds in greenhouses.

Cangchang village grows over 7,000 square meters of sponge gourds. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

A total of 11 mu (about 7,333 square meters) were planted, with seedlings sown in February and harvesting beginning in mid-May. The crop has now entered its peak season, with daily yields reaching around 100 kilograms.

The village's sponge gourds are known for their compact size, excellent quality, appealing appearance, and delicious taste. They have quickly gained popularity among local supermarkets and wholesale markets, leading to a situation where demand outstrips supply.

Spong gourds are expected to boost the incomes of local villagers. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

Thanks to early market entry and proper management, the expected yield is about 4,000 kg per mu. With an average market price of 7 yuan ($0.97) per kilogram, each mu is expected to generate over 20,000 yuan in income.

This initiative has not only opened up a promising new income stream for local villagers but also contributed to collective economic growth in the village.