In recent year, the Rugao government has been encouraging farmers to seek fortune in the breeding industry.

Beekeepers harvest honey from a beehive. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Wang Yajun, a beekeeper in Dingmao village, Motou town, can earn about 200,000 yuan ($28,196.56) every year from apiculture.

Wang raises 180 boxes of bees, and the annual income from a box of bees and bee products ranges from 800 yuan to 1,200 yuan.

In addition to royal jelly, bees can also produce a variety of edible and medicinal products such as bee pollen, honey and propolis. Bee pupae, a high-protein food, is also a popular product.

"At present, most of the products produced by our apiaries are sold on the market after initial processing. Next, I plan to cooperate with enterprises to conduct further processing of honey, royal jelly and other products to reap more benefits," Wang said.

Parrots are gathered in a cage at a breeding base in Xinggang village, Motou town, Rugao. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Yuan Hao has been exploring the parrot breeding industry in the city. He established a 10,000-square-meter parrot breeding base in Xinggang village, Motou town, Rugao. Currently, there are more than 20 varieties of parrots at the base.

Parrot breeding is an emerging industry and the current market prices show an upward trend, proving  bright prospects, according to Yuan.

Yuan is expanding sales channels through e-commerce platforms as well as flower and bird markets. He also plans to open an ornamental garden to encourage more young people to start businesses and earn stable incomes.