Taonan Heishui Watermelons

Taonan Heishui Watermelons

Taonan Heishui Watermelons are a Geographical Indication Protected Product.

Taonan Heishui Watermelons are a Geographical Indication Certified Trademark.

　　Heishui watermelons have a long cultivation history and excellent quality, renowned both within and outside the province for their large size, thin rind, and sweet, refreshing taste. They have always been a locally famous product of our city. Guided by the principle of "building the brand and highlighting unique features," Heishui Town has actively nurtured, developed, and expanded the watermelon industry, gradually steering it toward branding and scaling. It has now become a pillar industry that enriches the town and benefits its people.

　　　　Expanding production and focusing on scale. In recent years, the watermelon planting area in the town has remained stable at around 1,500 hectares, with a yield of over 100,000 jin per hectare, reaching a total output of up to 150 million jin. This year, the planting area is 1,800 hectares. Based on market analysis, the income per capita from this crop alone is expected to reach 1,700 yuan.

　　　　Improving quality through technology. Varieties such as "Shuanghu" and "Shenzhou Star" have been introduced successively. Through variety updates, Heishui watermelons now feature distinct brands, varying sizes, colorful appearances, and staggered market availability. This has effectively addressed the previous issues of single variety and subpar quality. Around 30% of the town’s farming households grow watermelons each year, giving rise to a group of local experts and large-scale growers. In conjunction with annual events like "Science and Technology Winter" and "Science and Technology Spring," agricultural experts and experienced local growers are invited to villages to deliver lectures, teaching cultivation techniques and guiding farmers in scientific planting.

　　　　Boosting benefits via branding. With the support of the Taonan Municipal Party Committee, Municipal Government, and relevant departments, the Geographical Indication Protected Trademark for "Heishui Watermelons" was approved by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. The trademark registration has effectively protected the "Heishui Watermelon" brand. The price per jin is expected to be about 2 fen higher than before registration, and the brand premium is projected to increase growers’ income by 4.3 million yuan.

　　　　Regulating the market and maintaining order. Through investment attraction, a 30,000-square-meter Heishui Watermelon Wholesale Market was built, greatly promoting the development of the watermelon industry. However, in the early stages of market operation, due to lack of experience, issues such as forced buying and selling and customer harassment occasionally occurred, hindering normal transactions. To address this, the town’s Party Committee and government strengthened management of the watermelon market. A deputy town head took direct charge, with support from the police station, judicial office, land office, and other departments. A dedicated sales line was established to handle comprehensive coordination and information collection. Now, market order has significantly improved, and market functions continue to enhance. During the peak watermelon sales season, merchants from across the country flock to Heishui. Watermelons are sold to Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Changchun, and other places, and growers from surrounding towns also come to trade here. In 2008, the wholesale market traded over 300 million jin of watermelons, with a transaction volume of more than 80 million yuan. Meanwhile, a large number of watermelon brokers emerged, with the broker workforce exceeding 400 individuals. Each broker can earn over 10,000 yuan annually just from transporting watermelons.

　　 The geographical indication origin range of Heishui watermelons covers 11 administrative regions under the jurisdiction of Taonan City, Jilin Province: Heishui Town, Anding Town, Erlong Township, Datong Township, Cheli Township, Jiaoliuhe Township, Dongfanghong Livestock Farm, Corn Double-Cross Farm, 467th Military Horse Farm, Xiangyang Subdistrict Office, and Taofu Subdistrict Office.