Electric Power Empowers the Cultivation of 25,000 Acres of Spring Seedlings

On March 17, at the seedling cultivation base of Xinjiang Shuanghe Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. in Kaiganqi Township, Kuitun City, employees of the State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company conducted a comprehensive inspection of the electrical equipment inside the greenhouses. Their meticulous efforts were dedicated to safeguarding the first batch of pepper and tomato seedlings of the year.

In recent years, peppers and tomatoes have become crucial projects for rural economic development in northern Xinjiang. The agricultural economy of Kaiganqi Township has evolved into a full-fledged industrial chain encompassing seed breeding, seedling cultivation, transplanting, planting, processing, and sales. This has turned the pepper industry into a key driver for increasing farmers’ incomes and promoting prosperity.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Kaiganqi Township seedling cultivation base has built 37 intelligent temperature-controlled greenhouses, adopting a dual-season rotation model—seedling cultivation in spring and planting in autumn. The seedlings primarily supply surrounding regions such as Shihezi, Shawan, Wusu, and Kuitun, serving major clients like COFCO Group, Xi’an Pepper, and nearby farms. The base’s seedling output supports transplanting across more than 25,000 acres.

The seedling greenhouses begin preparation in early February each year, involving snow clearance, greenhouse warming, preparation of nutrient soil, introduction of seedling trays, and calibration of sowing machines. One month before these activities, the power company had already deployed personnel to inspect and monitor the 12 transformers and power lines supplying the base. They assisted in debugging sowing equipment, temperature control systems, and rolling shutter machines, ensuring all equipment operated smoothly without any potential hazards, thus guaranteeing a seamless resumption of agricultural production.

Once the initial sowing, tray placement, and watering processes are completed, meticulous seedling management inside the greenhouse becomes the priority. When the seedlings grow to around six leaves and 10 centimeters in height, they reach a critical stage of acclimatization. To prepare the pepper seedlings for outdoor transplanting, ventilation is optimized both morning and evening, maximizing airflow. Additionally, light absorption is carefully managed—sunlight is harnessed at optimal angles to enhance photosynthesis and respiration, promoting efficient energy storage and nutrient metabolism, ensuring the seedlings are robust enough for open-field cultivation.

Temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light exposure—every aspect must be precisely controlled, as each factor plays a critical role. To ensure the stable operation of the greenhouse temperature control systems, ventilation equipment, and supplementary lighting, the power company has established a dedicated service team. This team conducts routine inspections of electrical equipment, promotes safe electricity usage, and promptly resolves power-related issues. Furthermore, they maintain close communication with the base’s management, proactively preparing contingency plans tailored to different seedling growth stages, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.

“In the past, seedling quality was inconsistent, and yields were suboptimal. In recent years, with technological advancements and stable electricity support, the quality of our seedlings has significantly improved. Our pepper and tomato seedlings are now of premium quality, highly resistant to disease, and yield better results. Farmers have responded enthusiastically, and we feel more optimistic about the future,” said Liu Jing, the seedling base director, with excitement.

By providing reliable electricity services, the power company has infused the seedling cultivation base with growth momentum, enabling pepper and tomato seedlings to flourish in these fields of hope. Their efforts contribute to rural revitalization with a solid foundation. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to its service-oriented mission, continuously enhancing power supply services to safeguard rural industrial development and support the journey of rural revitalization toward a brighter future.(By Fran)