To promote unmarketable agricultural products, Hai'an agriculture and rural bureau took the lead in developing and constructing unmanned fresh food courier stations in Nantong, providing free venues for enterprises to construct unmanned intelligent fresh food cabinets. In addition to providing convenience for citizens to buy fresh food, the measure also promotes the sale of local agricultural products and increases farmers' incomes.

A 24-hour unmanned intelligent greengrocery was set up outside the gate of Hai'an rural bureau. Opening the door through scanning a QR code, self-service choice of goods and automatic billing, this convenient and safe form of shopping quickly became popular among citizens.

Fruit, vegetables, meat and other commodities are available in the fresh food cabinets. All the food comes from Hai'an farmers' land and slaughterhouses. "The rural bureau provides a venue for us to sell our agricultural products, helps save manpower and rent, and the unmanned sale mode attracts many customers," Li Feng, a person-in-charge from Nantong Jinwang Agricultural Development Co Ltd, said.

In addition to the cabinets, a fresh food courier station is set up beside the bureau. There are agricultural products produced by local farmers in Nantong's districts and towns. The citizens can place an order online, then the goods will be dispatched within two days. People who have placed orders can pick up the goods through scanning a QR code.

Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, the e-commerce sales of agricultural products have provided support for protecting people's livelihoods and become a highlight in the development of the agricultural and rural economy. Hai'an has achieved good results in innovating sales formats through government guidance and constructing platforms.