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全球农业观察丨专访佳沃蓝莓业务群总裁姜惠铁:种业是农业的“芯片”,应加大育种研发投入

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese blueberry industry has rapidly developed, becoming a global leader in planting scale and yield, but faces challenges such as low standardization and unstable quality. Integrating modern information technology into various agricultural processes is essential for enhancing competitiveness and achieving high-quality development [2][5]. Industry Development - The blueberry planting area in China is expected to exceed 1.1 million acres by 2024, with a production volume of approximately 500,000 tons, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in blueberry production globally. Yunnan province contributes about 30% of the national blueberry output [2]. - The commercialization of blueberry cultivation in China began in 2003, with significant breakthroughs in scale achieved around 2012. The introduction of substrate cultivation technology in 2017 significantly increased yield from less than 300 kg per acre to 1,500 kg [4]. Market Potential - Current per capita blueberry consumption in China is less than one-tenth of that in developed countries. As consumer health awareness increases, the demand for blueberries is expected to grow rapidly. The small berry market in China has substantial consumption potential [2][9]. - The rise of e-commerce and market expansion due to consumption upgrades presents significant opportunities for related enterprises, although challenges such as intensified competition and quality control remain [9]. Technological Innovation - The company has implemented over 2,000 sensors in its Yunnan base to create a comprehensive monitoring network for real-time environmental tracking. AI technology is used for yield prediction, achieving a prediction error rate of within 5% [5]. - The company has developed 13 patented devices and has been recognized as a key leading enterprise in agricultural industrialization at the national level [3]. Breeding and Intellectual Property - The challenges in blueberry breeding include strict overseas control over seed varieties and the lengthy hybrid breeding cycle, which typically takes seven to eight years to yield results [6][8]. - The company has established partnerships with international breeding firms and has successfully introduced over 40 patented varieties, while also focusing on independent research and development [8]. Local Adaptation of Technology - The company emphasizes the importance of adapting international blueberry cultivation techniques to local conditions, considering factors such as climate, soil, and consumer preferences [11][12]. - The use of modern substrate cultivation combined with integrated irrigation systems allows for precise management of blueberry growth, ensuring high product quality [11].