Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by the Xiyang watermelon industry in Henan Province and highlights the innovative solutions provided by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences' polyploid genetic breeding team to enhance the industry's quality and competitiveness [1][2][3]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The Xiyang watermelon industry is facing severe challenges due to a single variety structure, outdated cultivation methods, and declining fruit quality, which restrict further development [1][2]. - The traditional variety "Early Jia 8424" dominates with over 80% planting share but has shown weaknesses such as thin skin, low yield, and poor market competitiveness over time [2][3]. Group 2: Innovative Solutions - The breeding team has developed several new high-quality watermelon varieties, including "Zhongmi No. 1" and "Zhongyu 22," which have strong disease resistance and high sugar content, significantly improving farmers' income [3][5]. - The introduction of the hanging vine cultivation model has increased planting density from 900 to 2200-2500 plants per acre, doubling the income potential compared to traditional methods [6][7]. Group 3: Technological Empowerment - The establishment of a smart seedling greenhouse with an investment of 16 million yuan has supported the production of over 3 million seedlings annually, addressing seedling loss and providing quality seedlings for the new cultivation model [6][7]. - The implementation of standardized management systems and expert guidance has led to significant improvements in watermelon quality and yield, with farmers reporting income increases of several times [7][8]. Group 4: Market and Brand Development - Despite achieving a brand value of 2.553 billion yuan and national geographical indication certification, the Xiyang watermelon market still relies heavily on bulk wholesale, limiting premium pricing opportunities [8][9]. - The county is exploring order agriculture and brand grading sales models to enhance the market value of Xiyang watermelons and improve overall industry competitiveness [8][9]. Group 5: Future Directions - The local government is focusing on four key areas: variety updates, innovative cultivation models, complete industry chain development, and quality upgrades to transition the industry from scale expansion to quality and efficiency improvement [9].

Core Insights - The article highlights the role of "watermelon testers" in ensuring the quality of watermelons in Guomiao Town, Anhui Province, emphasizing their expertise in determining watermelon ripeness and the impact on local agriculture [1][4]. Group 1: Watermelon Testing and Expertise - The watermelon tester, Fu Qianyou, can assess a watermelon in an average of 3 seconds using a method of visual inspection, tapping, and listening [1]. - Fu has been invited to serve as a tester for nine other watermelon distribution points, showcasing the demand for skilled testers in the region [1]. - There are over 1,000 watermelon testers in Guomiao Town, distributed across 47 distribution points, indicating a robust local industry [2]. Group 2: Agricultural Practices and Economic Impact - Guomiao Town employs a greenhouse planting model, resulting in thin-skinned, sweet watermelons that are popular among consumers [2]. - The town maintains a stable watermelon planting area of approximately 10,000 acres, contributing to a full industry chain from seedling cultivation to logistics [2]. - The presence of testers has reduced waste by helping farmers accurately identify ripe watermelons, thus enhancing the overall quality and marketability of the local watermelon crop [4].

Group 1 - The "2025 Zhejiang Good Watermelon" selection event showcased 80 watermelon samples from 66 producers, with Hangzhou winning 3 gold awards for its products [2] - The "Jingjia 301" watermelon variety, developed in collaboration with agricultural experts, has gained popularity due to its large size (average 9-15 pounds) and high sugar content (12-14 degrees Brix), and is currently sold out [3] - The cultivation techniques employed include "ridge cultivation" and "BLOF ecological harmonious technology," which enhance soil quality and improve watermelon yield and quality [4] Group 2 - Hangzhou's agricultural promotion departments have successfully developed and promoted various high-quality watermelon varieties, contributing to the industry's growth [5] - The city has implemented effective cultivation techniques, including grafting and intercropping with rice, which have improved soil conditions and increased economic benefits [5] - Currently, the annual watermelon planting area in Hangzhou is approximately 70,000 acres, with a total output exceeding 140,000 tons and a production value of over 400 million yuan [5]

此外，良益农业采用的"BLOF（Bio Logical Farming）生态和谐型种植技术"也是成就此次金奖的关 键。 "我们不是简单减少了化肥的使用，而是使用了氨基酸等有机养分，不仅减少能量消耗，还让西瓜 更甜、风味更足。同时，通过改良土壤提供精准矿物质营养供给，让西瓜根系生长更健康。"江于良介 绍，采用这套技术后，"京嘉301"的亩产量稳定达到6000斤，部分地块甚至突破8000斤。 从一颗"金奖西瓜"窥见的，不仅是余杭西瓜的品质实力，更是瓶窑镇现代农业从"量变"到"质变"的 跃迁。近年来，瓶窑镇立足本地资源优势，大力发展特色农业产业，积极搭建产学研合作平台，推进数 字农业建设。目前，瓶窑全镇已创建省级未来农场2家、数字牧场2家、数字农业工厂3家。 下一步，瓶窑镇将继续加大政策扶持力度，完善产业链条，推动农业与旅游、文化等产业的深度融 合，让更多农民分享产业发展的红利。 良益农业西瓜种植基地 日前，"2025浙江好西瓜"推选活动在温岭市举行。余杭区瓶窑镇杭州良益农业开发有限公司（以下 简称"良益农业"）选送的"京嘉301"西瓜凭借"早熟高产、耐寒抗逆、酥脆高糖"三大特质获得金奖。 这个"金奖西瓜"的诞生绝 ...

图①："老宋瓜王"三代人。 图②：周春秀在介绍西瓜品种。本报记者 严 冰摄 图③：兴盛达农业的员工李艳君在瓜棚里摘瓜。 图④：王丽丽在为"永定河"牌西瓜做直播。 北京大兴区擦亮"西瓜产业"金招牌，深耕"农业绿色发展先行区"。从庞各庄的百年传承，到北臧村镇的创新突 破，大兴区在北纬39°的沃土上，生生不息地书写着智慧农业的"甜蜜"故事。 小西瓜：种出好味道 从北京市区出发，驱车沿着京开高速一路南行。下了高速，就进入大兴庞各庄镇，青皮西瓜在路边货车里堆叠成 山。摊主切开西瓜的瞬间，鲜红的果肉向路人露出"甜蜜微笑"。 庞各庄镇地处北纬39°，寒暑交界，光照充足。一路奔腾的永定河在此甩出一道温柔的弧线，冲积出条状带平原， 孕育出肥沃的沙壤，让这里成为西瓜的黄金产区，拥有百年的种植历史。 如今在这片土地上，"老宋瓜王"三代人的种瓜故事，续写着"西瓜之乡"的新篇章。走进庞各庄镇老宋瓜王"西瓜博 物馆"，一整面墙上陈列着30余年的光阴与荣誉，全国西甜瓜擂台赛瓜王冠军、世界水果种植者大赛银奖、北京市 著名商标……数不清的奖杯，让"老宋瓜王"的名号越来越响，也让大兴西瓜的名头走向世界。在第37届西瓜节开 幕式现场，"老宋瓜王" ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of the watermelon industry in China, particularly in Henan province, which has become the leading producer of watermelons, accounting for 60% of the global supply [1][3][4]. Industry Overview - Henan province has approximately 3 million acres dedicated to watermelon cultivation, making it the largest production area in China [1][3]. - The shift from large watermelons to smaller varieties is driven by consumer preferences for sweeter, thinner-skinned, and more visually appealing options [3][4]. - The average yield of watermelons in Henan has increased from 1,300 kg per acre in 1993 to 2,873 kg per acre in 2022, representing a 1.2 times increase [4]. Technological Advancements - The introduction of molecular breeding techniques has reduced the breeding cycle from 7-10 years to 2-3 years, allowing for faster development of new varieties [5]. - The use of "vertical hanging" cultivation methods has improved light exposure and ventilation, leading to higher sugar content and better marketability of the watermelons [8][10]. Market Dynamics - The demand for smaller watermelons aligns with changing family sizes and consumption patterns, as smaller fruits are easier to manage and consume [3][4]. - The establishment of quality control measures, such as the use of experienced inspectors and automated grading systems, ensures that only the best quality watermelons reach consumers [13][14]. Brand Development - The "Xiamen Watermelon" brand has gained recognition, with significant milestones achieved in branding and quality standards, including being designated as a geographical indication product [14][15]. - The local government and agricultural cooperatives are actively promoting the watermelon industry through various initiatives, including the establishment of production standards and marketing strategies [11][12]. Economic Impact - The watermelon industry in Henan is contributing significantly to local economies, with projections indicating that the total production in Xiamen County will exceed 650,000 tons this year [13][14]. - The integration of e-commerce and modern marketing strategies is expanding the market reach of Henan watermelons, enhancing profitability for farmers [16].

新华财经北京5月1日电（记者沈寅飞）机械臂精准舞动，智能传送带高效运转，金黄的蜂蜜有序流向包 装台，清甜芬芳弥漫四周……这是河南许昌长葛市佛耳湖镇尚庄村的河南卓宇蜂业有限公司自动化车间 的生产场景。这幅充满科技感的现代蜂业生产图景，正是许昌特色产业借助电力赋能实现转型升级的缩 影。 长葛蜂业历史悠久，已发展成为全国最大的蜂产品集散地。据统计，全国90%的蜂蜡、80%的花粉和蜂 王浆均产自长葛，200多个种类的蜂机具远销20多个国家和地区。 襄城县湛北乡尚庄村被誉为"中原西瓜第一村"，借助电力赋能，西瓜产业同样实现华丽转身。依靠智能 大棚温室技术，当地将原本盛夏时节常见的西瓜培育成初夏上市的"紧俏货"，今年刚上市预购订单就达 100多吨。 "朱师傅，大棚里漏电保护器一定要按时试验，有问题随时联系我们。"国网许昌供电公司网格员马炳超 上门为种植户服务，仔细排查西瓜大棚线路及用电设备安全隐患。目前，尚庄村大棚西瓜种植面积达 1100多亩，种植户130余户。 为护航西瓜产业发展，国网许昌供电公司运用无人机、红外测温等技术，加强辖区线路设备巡视，保障 西瓜生长全过程用电安全稳定。同时，工作人员定期走访，详细了解瓜农用电 ...