Ducks are cultivated at a loquat orchard run by Jiang Xiaochong, a villager in Dayu town. [Photo/WeChat account: dream8086]

Jiang Xiaochong, a villager in Dayu town, Rudong county, Nantong has developed a comprehensive orchard adopting the stereoscopic cultivation mode. Jiang now can receive 50,000 yuan ($7,091) per mu through growing loquats and cultivating ducks in the orchard.

The loquats are easy to cultivate and bring considerable benefits. Jiang decided to get involved in the profession several years ago and this is his third year harvesting his orchard.

Last year, Guifan and Baiyu, two types of loquats in Jiang’s orchard, won praise from experts at the county's bureau of agriculture and rural affairs and proved popular among consumers.

In addition, the ducks help in providing organic fertilizers and controlling pests, which saves on labor and improves productivity.

Jiang said that he discovered the advantages of stereoscopic cultivation after he began raising poultry. After two years of trial and error, he found a way to keep the poultry population at a manageable level.

Dayu town boasts the largest area in Rudong county in terms of fruit cultivation, with nearly 8,000 mu (533.33 hectares).

"The economic benefit of loquats is among the highest for fruits, and stereoscopic cultivation can greatly reduce manpower," said Hong Fei, a senior agronomist in the county. "So it is worth advocating in villages and towns."