Though low season in Chongchuan district's Nantong Kangde grape ecological park there are still many grapes covering branches in the greenhouses, exuding a fruity fragrance. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Though low season in Chongchuan district's Nantong Kangde grape ecological park there are still many grapes covering branches in the greenhouses, exuding a fruity fragrance.

Fu Zhaohe, in charge of the park, explained that with a planting area of more than two hectares the park is expected to achieve sales revenue of over 500,000 yuan ($74,150) this year. Determined to keep operating under the current orchard mode, it also plans to introduce and improve some new varieties and expand the planting scale.

The latest batch of grapes can be picked throughout November, Fu added.

"My neighbor picked grapes here during the National Day holiday and thought them tasty," Gu Lihua, a resident who is picking in the park told local media. "So I come here to pick up some for my family."

Fu selects grape varieties in accordance with local conditions, and adheres to the "green, organic, and pollution-free" standard to manage the orchard. The bagging technique applied on the grapes not only keeps their surfaces clean, but also reduces bird pecking and fruit pests.

To improve the taste and quality of grapes, the staff of Yu'ai village contacted the agricultural department for technical guidance and assistance. The orchard has also launched projects such as grape picking, parent-child interaction and farm stays, which increase economic benefits.