An aerial view of Longqiao village. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Longqiao village in Banjing town, Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, has successfully developed its modern agriculture sector, which has increased the incomes of local residents while improving the rural environment and cultural atmosphere.

A rural vitalization working group sent to the village by the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee has been using technology to boost agriculture. One member of the team, He Qiang, who works at the Jiangsu branch of China Life Insurance, has been leveraging technologies by the Nanjing Agricultural University to develop digital agriculture.

"Through cooperation with the university, we have used unmanned aerial vehicles to apply fertilizers. This is expected to increase wheat yields by 25 kilograms per mu (666.7 square meters) and reduce costs by 30 yuan ($4.35) per mu, resulting in a total increase of 220,000 yuan in villagers' incomes," said He.

Heitacai, a unique cabbage produced in Rugao and a Chinese geographical indication agricultural product, has been a major source of revenue for Longqiao villagers. Due to the rural vitalization working group, the vegetable has gained access to bigger markets.

According to Wang Baoming, a Heitacai farmer, 240 tons of the vegetable were sold online last year, increasing incomes for local workers by 800,000 yuan.

In addition to boosting the economy, the environment in Longqiao village has also been improved. The water of the Longgang River which runs through the village is now clear. Regular activities such as operas and drawing have also been organized to improve the lives of villagers.