The intelligent greenhouse at the Agricultural Science Research Institute in Haimen district, Nantong, was bustling with activity on March 14, as staff members busied themselves involved in tasks such as irrigation and thinning. 

The institute has a long-standing commitment to breeding new varieties of melons and vegetables while prioritizing the preservation of local resources. 

To date, it has developed 11 varieties of the "Haimi" series of thick-skinned sweet melons, along with one variety each of small watermelon and waxy corn. Additionally, the institute has preserved 116 local germplasm resources, including the Dahongpao red bean. 

The Haimi series of sweet melons bred by the institute has won multiple awards, including the gold medal at the 15th Green Food Expo. In 2009, the institute established the Haimi Sweet Melon Standardized Demonstration Park, which was designated as a national-level sweet melon standardization demonstration zone. 

A staff member waters the melon and vegetable crops in the greenhouse in Haimen district, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenfabu]