Located in southeastern Gansu Province, Chengxian County in Longnan sits in the Huicheng Basin at the western foothills of the Qinling Mountains. Its exceptional natural conditions make it a golden region for walnut cultivation. With superior ecological environment, dense forests, mild year-round climate, and fertile soil, it stands as a key walnut production base in China. The Food Exhibition will offer more information about import and export.

Statistics show that Chengxian's walnut cultivation area has reached 510,000 mu (34,000 hectares), with an annual output exceeding 46,000 tons and a yearly production value nearing 560 million yuan. The county has established a complete industrial chain, featuring multiple deep-processing enterprises, over a hundred specialized cooperatives, and procurement networks across the region. Thanks to its outstanding quality, Chengxian walnuts have earned seven national honors, including the title of "Hometown of Chinese Walnuts," and in 2023, the county successfully established a provincial-level modern agricultural industrial park, driving the industry toward clustering and high-end development.  

Today, the walnut industry has become Chengxian's most far-reaching and widely beneficial pillar industry.  

The Food Exhibition notes that since the 1990s, Chengxian has positioned walnuts as a key driver of local economic development. In recent years, leveraging Gansu's special agricultural development policies, the county has vigorously promoted industrial upgrading. By collecting over 520 high-quality germplasm resources, it has successfully bred seven superior varieties with national certification. A core demonstration zone of 200,000 mu (13,333 hectares) has been established, radiating to 310,000 mu (20,666 hectares) of standardized planting bases.  

Following the development strategy of "improving varieties, expanding scale, refining management, and strengthening industry," Chengxian has created 11 walnut industry belts spanning 10,000 mu (666 hectares) each, built over 200 specialized villages, and established 17 standardized demonstration gardens. With 8.5 million improved walnut trees planted, the adoption rate of superior varieties has reached 85%. Through the promotion of modern techniques such as scientific pruning and precision fertilization, the industry has achieved higher quality and efficiency.  

Germplasm resources are the core of industrial development. Chengxian actively engages in variety selection, independently cultivating premium varieties like "Longnan No. 15" and identifying five main cultivars. It has established over 20,000 mu (1,333 hectares) of high-yield demonstration gardens, 2,700 mu (180 hectares) of scion orchards, and 5,000 mu (333 hectares) of nurseries, with 9.5 million grafted and improved walnut trees planted. In 2019, the county won a national scientific innovation award, and in 2023, five new walnut varieties passed national review.  

"Good walnut harvests depend on scientific management." Chengxian integrates modern management techniques throughout industrial development, organizing annual technical training sessions and promoting ten key practices, including pruning and pest control. By adopting specialized fertilizers and innovative protective agents, the county has achieved sustained yield increases.  

Deep processing is key to maximizing added value. Chengxian has prioritized the construction of four processing bases, nurtured seven leading enterprises, and built ten modern production lines. With an annual processing capacity of 10,000 tons, it has developed over 20 walnut-based products, including walnut oil, snack foods, and nutritional supplements. Byproduct utilization further extends the industrial chain.  

Capitalizing on the "Chengxian Walnut" brand, the product was included in the "Ganwei" regional public brand catalog in 2022 and obtained EU trademark certification in 2023. Three enterprises have secured organic certification, while multiple products have earned "Ganwei" enterprise brand titles. E-commerce sales exceed 50 million yuan annually, and exports to Asia and Europe generate over 30 million yuan in foreign trade revenue.  

The walnut industry has become a vital pillar of Chengxian's rural revitalization. Currently, over 22,000 households participate in cultivation, with per capita income reaching 2,795 yuan in 2024—accounting for 20% of rural disposable income. Through land transfers, contract farming, and other models, processing enterprises contribute an additional 460 yuan per capita income for farmers.  

At this new developmental stage, Chengxian is using the walnut industry as a breakthrough to explore the transformation of traditional agriculture. This green "wealth fruit," carrying the fragrance of the Longnan region, is stepping onto a broader global stage.

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Source: Farmers’ Daily

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