Workers pack vegetables in Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, on Feb 10. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Nantong agricultural companies are working to ensure an ample supply of meat, fruit, and vegetables in East China during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, local officials said.

Fast food service providers KFC and McDonald's, as well as retail giant Metro in Shanghai and Hangzhou, have been able to maintain normal operations thanks to continuous support from leading agricultural companies in Nantong, such as Jiangsu Tyson Foods and Jiangsu Bakkavor Food Co.

As of Feb 17, a total of 245 agricultural companies in Nantong had resumed operations, according to the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This was more than any other city in the province.

The local government has been working to ensure that workers are safe and healthy while helping businesses resume operations.

A close management model has been adopted at many local companies to prevent and control the spread of the virus.

Relevant departments have also been in contact with agricultural giants such as Jiangsu Longlife Group and Charoen Pokphand Group to help local businesses and farmers process and store live poultry in a timely manner.

In addition, the local government also introduced support measures and streamlined administrative procedures to help solve various problems related to logistics, financing, workforce, and sales.