A vast taro field in Rugao, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

As autumn approaches, farmers in Rugao have been preparing local characteristic agricultural products for sale in the market.

Mao Jinghua, who has grown 9.2 hectares of taros, is expecting a yield of 9,745 kilograms per hectare this year. This harvest would earn him nearly 400,000 yuan ($62,560) in net profit.

Since obtaining a national geographical indication in 2016, Rugao Xiangtang Taro has grown in popularity across China. 

This year, the total planting area of Rugao Xiangtang Taro spans about 800 hectares across the city, and the combined output is expected to be 80,000 tons.

To further enhance the reputation of its taro, Rugao has held promotional conferences for its agricultural products in Shanghai several years in a row.

The local government has also explored multiple industrial modes to enhance production.

Mao Jiefeng, who established his fruit and vegetable plantation in 2017, is among those who have been seeking innovative ways to increase production efficiency.

After years of experimentation, he has found a mature stereo interplanting mode which combines the planting of fruit trees, taros and cabbages.

This mode has increased production efficiency, reduced the loss of soil nutrients and inhibited the growth of weeds, he said.

According to Mao Jiefeng, the interplant output earns him about 3,000 yuan more than growing a single species. The high profit margin has attracted many nearby villagers to learn from his experience.