Three live-streamers broadcast the harvest scene of the selenium-rich mini sweet potatoes in Rugao. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Xiayuan town in Rugao, Nantong, celebrated the bountiful harvest of its 400-mu (26.67 hectares) selenium-rich small sweet potatoes, a crop hailed as a "longevity food" due to its selenium content, a vital trace mineral for human health. 

Tractors crisscrossed the fields while farmers sorted colorful tubers. Over 100 live-streamers broadcasted the event in real-time, turning the rural farmland into a lively marketplace where the sound of machinery blended with the chatter of online transactions. 

The event also represented a milestone in supply chain innovation. During a signing ceremony held on-site, partnerships were confirmed with distributors from Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, guaranteeing a smooth "field-to-table" process. 

Strategic collaborations with Nanjing communities and top influencers in Shanghai further expanded its reach into premium gift markets. Demand soared, with all 400 mu of sweet potatoes pre-sold. 

To promote industrial upgrading, Xiayuan town has adopted a dual strategy: training extensive growers to boost production capacity and investigating deep processing options to increase product value. 

Renowned as the "city of longevity", Rugao is now aiming even higher. By deploying a comprehensive online and offline marketing strategy, the city seeks to showcase its distinctive geographical indication products throughout China, elevating its longevity foods to national recognition.