Fertile land, suitable climate, convenient irrigation and drainage system, and unique advantages in natural resources make Qidong an ideal place for the growth of its four green crops. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Eight departments represented by Jiangsu Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department jointly issued the 2020 list of Jiangsu provincial characteristic agricultural products premium areas recently.

A total of 14 counties (cities and districts) were recognized as premium areas for their characteristic agricultural products. Qidong gained the recognition for its four green crops – green broad beans, green corn, green edamame, green peas.

Fertile land, a suitable climate, convenient irrigation and drainage systems, and unique advantages in natural resources make Qidong an ideal place for the growth of the four green crops.

In recent years, the industrial chain of the four crops in Qidong has gradually developed into a leading agricultural industry. So far, the total planting area of four crops has reached 30,300 hectares and the output totals 397,900 tons, with production value at 2.4 billion yuan ($350 million).

Being selected as a provincial-level premium zone is of great significance in enhancing the visibility and cohesion of Qidong's agricultural brand, promoting industrial development, increasing farmers' incomes, and enlarging and strengthening the characteristic agricultural industry.

In the next stage, the city will promote industrial integration, improve the standards system, strengthen scientific and technological support, improve infrastructure, create distinctive brands, cultivate business entities, and boost industrial development and income growth.