"Laowai" in China | Peruvian agricultural engineer cultivates blueberry in China's Yunnan

Source:Xinhua 2024-07-21

KUNMING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Marcelo Vergaray is a 31-year-old fourth-generation Chinese-Peruvian immigrant from Peru.

Driven by his agricultural passion, he came to Mengzi, a city in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture of southwest China's Yunnan Province, taking up the role of production manager at Hortifrut and Joyvio, a joint venture agricultural technology company. Here, he collaborates with a professional team to manage blueberry plantations.

Marcelo Vergaray poses for a photo at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 9, 2024 shows the water reservoir at a blueberry plantation base of Hortifrut and Joyvio in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Marcelo Vergaray checks the growth of blueberry plants at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

The unique natural conditions in Mengzi make it suitable for blueberry cultivation, distinguished by a long picking season that starts in November and lasts until late May or early June the following year. This harvest period strategically fills a gap in domestic and international blueberry markets.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 9, 2024 shows a blueberry plantation base of Hortifrut and Joyvio in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

With his expertise, Vergaray has introduced new technologies and blueberry varieties to Mengzi, enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, he focuses on improving fruit quality to cater to market demands in China.

Marcelo Vergaray (2nd R) instructs Song Junhong, the director of a blueberry plantation base, in the care of blueberry seedlings, at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Marcelo Vergaray (L) and Song Junhong, the director of a blueberry plantation base, check blueberry plants at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

"I compare blueberries to my daughters. They are beautiful and precious," Vergaray said.

Marcelo Vergaray uses a pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the drip irrigation pipes at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Marcelo Vergaray uses a pH meter to test the pH value of the nutrient solution for blueberries at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Marcelo Vergaray takes photos of blueberry seedlings at a blueberry greenhouse in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Vergaray's deep-rooted affection for the Chinese culture began in his childhood. He actively participated in activities such as dragon and lion dances in Peru. After moving to China in 2017, he immersed himself in learning Mandarin and engaging with colleagues and friends to deepen his understanding of Chinese culture.

Since then, he has actively participated in numerous cultural activities. And now he has a family with a Chinese wife and a nine-month-old child.

Marcelo Vergaray browses through family photos after work in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Marcelo Vergaray (C, front) poses for a group photo with a local lion dance team in Shilipu Village of Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Marcelo Vergaray (R) tastes rice noodles with a friend in Mengzi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Looking ahead, Vergaray is optimistic about his future in China. "I believe my future lies here," he said. "China's economy is developing rapidly with an extensive market."

Blueberry in Mengzi has also become a flagship plateau agricultural product of Yunnan with the combined efforts of Chinese and international enterprises. The blueberry output in Mengzi last year reached 22,000 tonnes, with the total value exceeding 2 billion yuan (about 276 million US dollars). By the first half of 2024, the total fruit-bearing area for blueberries had reached 22,500 mu (1,500 hectares) in Mengzi.

Photographers: Chen Xinbo, Zeng Wei

Editors: Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang, Hu Zhixuan, Chu Jiayin, Zhou Dixiao, Cao Mengyao, Li Mangmang, Liu Yun, Mu Wenchun

China Story Studio

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