Shandong upgrades greenhouses for smarter rural vitalization

Shandong, recognized as the birthplace and a major hub for China's facility vegetable farming, is speeding up the renovation of its aging greenhouses to boost efficiency, increase yields, and support rural vitalization.

The province produced 99.32 million metric tons of vegetables in 2025, , maintaining levels above 90 million tons for four consecutive years and making up about 11 percent of national output. Its facility vegetable planting area covers about 12 million mu (8 million hectares) annually, yielding 57 million tons with an output value of 160 billion yuan ($22.22 billion), about 60 percent of the province's total vegetable production value.

However, many early-built facilities are showing signs of age. In key production centers such as Shouguang, Shenxian, Yinan, and Lanling, over 60 percent of greenhouses are more than 10 years old, according to research led by Gao Zhongqiang from the Shandong Agricultural Technology Extension Center.

To tackle this issue, Shandong is promoting targeted renovations based on local conditions. In Shenxian county, farmers are implementing both household-based upgrades and joint construction models. In Housunzhuang village, Yandian town, 18 low ordinary arch sheds were merged into nine large-span greenhouses, expanding the planting area from 28.8 mu to 36 mu.

Funding support is also increasing. In Daiyue district, Tai’an, a facility agriculture renovation project plans a total investment of 144 million yuan, including 40 million yuan from long-term special treasury bonds. When finished, it is expected to benefit 1,200 farming households in 20 villages across three towns.

The upgrade goes beyond hardware. Automatic curtain rolling, ventilation systems, fertigation, and smart management systems are being implemented. Enterprises are contributing to reshaping the sector through equipment, services, and standardized operations. As more leading companies join the process, Shandong's facility agriculture is moving from labor-intensive farming toward higher-value, smarter, and greener production.

Greenhouses in Shandong are being upgraded with better facilities, smart equipment, and standardized management to improve vegetable production. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Editor：韩蒙蒙