Luocheng's downy grapes help boost local economy

Two Mulam ethnic girls pick downy grapes. [Photo by Huang Shangbiao/Xinhua]

The 2018 Luocheng Downy Grape Promotion Conference was held in Luocheng Mulam autonomous county in Hechi, Guangxi on Aug 24, aiming to gain visibility and extend the fruit's market share.

With an excellent geographical location and distinctive climatic conditions, Luocheng abounds with wild downy grapes, and has been honored as their "hometown" in China. Abundant with anthocyanin, multi-vitamins, trace element and multi-amino acids, the grapes were named a China geographical indication agro-product by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2016.

Luocheng county energetically developed the downy grape industry with a total planting area of more than 80,000 mu (5,333 hectares) from 2012 to 2017 and is expected to put 40,000 mu of the area into production this year with an output of 15,000 metric tons, which will boost the development of the local economy, contribute to the county's eco-environment and help increase farmers' incomes.

Visitors take pictures of local downy grapes. [Photo by Huang Shangbiao/Xinhua]

An aerial photo shows the stunning landscape of lakes and hills in Luocheng Mulam autonomous county. [Photo by Huang Shangbiao/Xinhua]