The Xiaowotou Farm, known for its sweet sorghum in Peicai village, Changle town, Haimen district, Nantong, was bustling with activity as it began selling its early-season variety in late May and early June, about a month ahead of the usual season.

A farmer picks sweet sorghum at the Xiaowotou Farm. [Photo/WeChat account: haimenfabu]

The farm set up a cooperative in August 2021 to standardize production and introduced improved varieties in partnership with the Haimen Institute of Agricultural Sciences. As a result, high-tunnel greenhouse techniques have extended the harvest from early summer to late autumn.

To lock in moisture and crispness, workers cut the stalks into sections, wrap them with plastic film and pack them in custom-made ventilated cartons. Many residents often visit the farm for direct purchases, while online orders are shipped to the Yangtze River Delta region and other areas.

In addition, the farm team is developing value-added products such as sorghum rice wine and beverages. It also provides free seeds and technical training to neighboring farmers and purchases their harvest if they meet quality standards, creating jobs and increasing local incomes.

Sweet sorghum is now grown in multiple towns across Haimen, becoming a distinctive local agricultural product.