Spring ushers in new era of specialty crop farming

With the advent of spring, Xiajin county has sprung into action, marking the beginning of a busy planting season.

A villager in Zhengzhuang village, Tianzhuang town, Xiajin county, bags potatoes for spring planting. [Photo by Wang Xiaoqian for chinadaily.com.cn]

In Zhengzhuang village, Tianzhuang town, the community is actively engaged in preparing potatoes for spring planting, showcasing their dedication through various processes such as cutting, drying, disinfecting, and bagging.

Tianzhuang town has recently undergone a transformation in its agricultural practices by shifting focus towards specialty crop cultivation.

Villagers in Zhengzhuang village, Tianzhuang town, Xiajin county, disinfect potatoes for spring planting. [Photo by Wang Xiaoqian for chinadaily.com.cn]

This initiative has seen the conversion of 300 mu (20 hectares) of reclaimed forestry land into productive farmland dedicated to the growth of open-field organic vegetables, such as potatoes, cabbages, and radishes.

This innovative approach to agriculture has led to impressive yields of up to 2,500 kg per mu and a significant increase in income, averaging 6,000 yuan ($834) per mu.

This strategic pivot to specialty crops not only enriches the local economy, but also plays a crucial role in elevating the livelihoods of the community's farming households, setting a precedent for sustainable agricultural development in Xiajin county. (Edited by Cai Liting)