Danba Pomegranates

Danba Pomegranates

　　Pomegranates were introduced to Danba during the Tang Dynasty. At one point, they were listed as tribute offerings. Danba pomegranates are lantern-shaped, and their sweetness or acidity is distinguished by the color of their skin — white or green-skinned ones are sweet, while red-skinned ones are sour. (Danba County)

　　Since 1996, Danba County has consistently treated practical technical training as a major initiative to accelerate the realization of rural prosperity goals and implement the strategy of “revitalizing the county and agriculture through science and education.” Especially after the implementation of the “Natural Forest Protection Project,” the county has placed its bets on technology to increase farmers' income, making Danba pomegranates once again a flagship product of the region.

　　Between 1996 and 2000, Danba County established a rural practical technical training working group led by the County Party Committee Organization Department, in collaboration with agricultural, forestry, and science and technology departments. A comprehensive agricultural technology service station was set up in 14 townships, and qualified deputy township heads in charge of science and technology were appointed in 15 townships (or towns). The role of party member audiovisual education was fully leveraged, with a total investment of 256,000 yuan in training rural party members and grassroots cadres in practical technologies, thereby intensifying the promotion of such technologies. Agricultural science and technology personnel conducted valuable research and repeated experiments focusing on pomegranate pests and diseases. Firstly, during the peak season of infestation, they implemented “bagging” techniques on pomegranates in Suopo Township, achieving initial success. Pomegranates bagged and allowed to ripen using this method weighed up to 1,100 grams, overcoming a more than 20-year-long problem with pomegranate pests and diseases. In 2001 alone, over 5,000 pomegranate trees in Moluo and Songda villages of Suopo Township in Danba County yielded a total annual production of over 25,000 jin (approximately 12.5 metric tons), generating a single-item income of 140,000 yuan for villagers. During harvest season, customers came in an endless stream to place orders, and Suopo pomegranates forged a path of booming production and sales.