Dayu town in Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province, has made significant strides in the development of large-scale vegetable farming. It has established an integrated industrial chain model covering everything from planting to harvesting, storage, cold chain logistics, processing, and distribution.

This comprehensive approach has not only bolstered the local agricultural sector but also increased the incomes of farmers. From January to August, the town's vegetable industry achieved a net profit of 120 million yuan ($16.43 million). Ninety percent of the income of farming households comes from the vegetable industrial chain.

The cultivation of broccoli is one of the major components of the town's vegetable farming. At present, the town boasts a standardized broccoli base covering 30,000 mu (2,000 hectares), with an annual planting area of 63,000 mu for cabbage and similar vegetables.

Since 2001, the town has helped farmers to establish a system of green crop plantation. In addition, it has established close partnerships with agricultural universities and research institutions to train technical personnel and provide expert guidance for the vegetable industry.

Currently, the town has 50,000 mu of pollution-free vegetable farming, with 23,554 mu of broccoli certified as green food.

Last year, the town's entire vegetable industry chain generated a total output value of 583 million yuan, with the average per capita disposable income for farmers exceeding 30,000 yuan.

A processing plant of broccoli in Rudong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]