Gong Binbin, owner of the Tengyi Family Farm, and his father examine the growth of vegetables. [Photo/Qidong Daily]

The Tengyi Family Farm, spanning 18.7 hectares in Qidong, Nantong, has emerged as a model of efficient and sustainable farming practices. Though modest in size, the farm has achieved high productivity through cultivating crops like fava beans, onions, scallions, and rapeseed, as well as specialty produces such as colorful lettuces, sweet melons, watermelons, and cherry tomatoes.

In 2023, the 13.3-hectare seed fields yielded a total output exceeding 3.6 million yuan ($502,675). Additionally, over 4.7 hectares of land produced a variety of popular fruits and vegetables in high demand, all of which were quickly sold out, with an average output of over 15,000 yuan per mu (667 square meters).

The masterminds behind this agricultural triumph are Gong Binbin and his father, Shan Xiuchun, who also serves as the farm's technical consultant. Notably, they ventured to Qinghai province to establish an 8-hectare fava bean base.

The farm's success is not solely attributed to market understanding but also relies on technological support, meticulous cultivation, and savvy management. Over the years, the Tengyi Family Farm has allowed fields to lie fallow after the summer harvest, ensuring the preservation of soil fertility. The farm has optimized its planting layout by employing scientific cultivation techniques and models such as crop rotation, intercropping, and precise management of temperature and fertilization.