Urban farming a growing trend in China
Scandals over safety have spurred city dwellers to raise vegetables on their balconies, but an agronomist doubts the effort is worthwhile
When he was a boy growing up in rural Hunan , Li Hongwen was not allowed to work in the fields. Instead he was told to focus on his studies - generally the only way rural children can change their destiny and avoid becoming farmers.
Decades later, Li's efforts have paid off, and he is an information-technology manager in Beijing. But ironically, he now finds himself working hard to become an amateur urban farmer - in the small realm of his apartment balcony.
"Ensuring food safety is one of the main reasons to grow these vegetables," said Li, 31, gesturing to his garden with pumpkins hanging from an overhead trellis, and several calabash "bottle" gourds swinging in the morning breeze.
"My son is five months old and ready to start on solid foods," he explained. "The vegetables for him must be safe."
Their sixth-floor home is at the top of their building in Shunyi district, and most of Li's neighbours have enclosed their balconies in glass, turning them into sunbathing rooms. But Li kept his 40-square-metre balcony open to create the garden, featuring about 30 different types of plants.
Green beans and tomatoes compete for space on a wooden fence, while leeks, garlic and eggplants look ready to be harvested from flowerpots nearby. Cabbages and cucumbers have also sprouted, and herbs such as mint appear ready for inclusion in a meal at a moment's notice.