Local farmers harvest mud crabs in Qidong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

As China's National Day holiday approaches, fresh and high-end seafood is in high demand, with the mud crab emerging as a consumer favorite. In Qidong, home to a growing mud crab farming industry, aquaculture farmers are enjoying a new wave of prosperity.

During the recent Mid-Autumn Festival, over 100,000 kilograms of mud crabs were harvested from 533 hectares of saltwater ponds in Qidong, generating sales of 17 million yuan ($2.42 million).

According to Li Guoqiang, deputy director of the Qidong agricultural and rural affairs bureau, this year's crab yield is expected to surpass 325,000 kg, with a total sales value exceeding 50 million yuan.

Mud crabs, known for their large size and exquisite flavor, were introduced to Qidong's ponds four years ago. Since then, they have provided significantly higher yields compared to traditional crab species. Local farmers have experienced increased production and reduced costs, leading to an average net income increase of 3,000 yuan per mu (667 square meters).