Zhaoxian Asparagus

Zhaoxian Asparagus

　　Zhaoxian is located in central-southern Hebei, covering an area of 675 square kilometers, with a population of 530,000 and 780,000 mu of arable land. As a major agricultural county on the plain, it enjoys very favorable natural conditions, with an average annual temperature of 12°C, a frost-free period of 198 days, and an average annual precipitation of 498 mm. The soil is mainly loamy, and the main grain crops are wheat and corn. The old course area of the Shahe River in the southern part of the county features sandy loam soil, which is highly suitable for growing asparagus, an economic crop.

　　Zhaoxian began cultivating asparagus in 1986, initially planting only 750 mu. Through timely guidance and mobilization, the planting area expanded year by year, reaching 45,000 mu by 1995, involving 8 towns and 128 natural villages. Of these, 35,000 mu were used for harvesting, producing 18,500 tons of fresh asparagus annually with an average yield of 500 kg per mu. This also spurred the development of asparagus cultivation in the neighboring four counties of Gaoyi, Yuanshi, Baixiang, and Ningjin. In 1996, the asparagus crops, primarily in the old Shahe River area, were largely destroyed by floods, resulting in a sharp decline in production area, leaving only 5,300 mu in the entire county. In recent years, our county has consistently prioritized the recovery of this key specialty industry. By targeting the international market and implementing policy guidance, establishing leading enterprises, improving technical promotion and development, and building trading markets, we have promoted rapid revitalization of the asparagus industry. In 1999, the county's planting area recovered to 20,300 mu, extending to 3,000 mu in neighboring counties, with 15,000 mu under harvest, averaging 730 kg per mu, and a peak yield of 1,000 kg. The yield per mu reached 2,798 yuan. In 2001, a pollution-free environmental assessment certification was completed for a 10,000-mu asparagus base, and the trademark “Zhaozhou Brand” was registered. In 2002, the county’s planting area reached 23,000 mu, with 17,500 mu under harvest, yielding an average benefit of 1,500 yuan per mu. The main areas were Shuhezhan Town, Gaocun Township, and Beiwangli Town in the old Sha (Huai) River area, along with neighboring counties and cities such as Baixiang, Ningjin, Gaoyi, and Yu’shi. The main varieties included UC157, UC800, and new American F1 green asparagus varieties “Apollo” and “Giant New Jersey.” In 2002, our county was designated by the Provincial Department of Agriculture as the “Hometown of Asparagus Specialty of Hebei.”