This year, Jizhou district has been promoting the upgrading and high-quality development of local agriculture, and accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas in the region.
The cultivation of watermelon in Jizhou district can be dated back at least 500 years. Located in the southern plains of Jizhou, Sangzi town has the preferential geographical and natural conditions for the growth of watermelons, resulting in watermelons that have a thin skin, natural sweetness, and are bursting with flavor. In 2015, it was certified as a national agricultural geographical indication product, and is now one of six national geographical indication products in Jizhou district.
In the past, the cultivation of watermelons in Sangzi town was restricted by climate conditions and the market supply could not be guaranteed. To tackle these problems and increase farmers’ income, Sangzi town has been attaching greater importance to enhancing the contribution of agricultural technologies in promoting high-quality and efficient production over the decades. Local farmers have adopted the latest method of hanging the watermelon vines in a bid to enable the watermelon to receive all-around sunshine. Through this cultivation method, farmers' income has nearly quadrupled.
Farmers check the growth of watermelons [Photo/WeChat account: zhangshangjizhou]
The "Sangzi watermelon" is just a microcosm of the improvement of agricultural products in Jizhou district. Since the beginning of this year, Jizhou has continuously improved the quality of its agricultural products by connecting with domestic research institutes, introducing new varieties and technologies, and establishing the local associations of tomatoes, strawberries, and sweet potatoes. Currently, there are 32 green organic foods and 24 products under the name of "Jinnong Boutique" across the entire district.
In addition to promoting the upgrading of agricultural products, Jizhou district has also extended effort to expand the market of local products. At present, Jizhou is seeking cooperation with major supermarkets in Beijing to set up a special zone in which to sell Jizhou's agricultural products. At the same time, e-commerce platforms are also expected to play their role in introducing the high-quality agricultural products of Jizhou to more regions.
"We will continue to bring in more advantageous varieties of agricultural products to promote local agricultural development and contribute to rural revitalization," said Jin Fupeng, director of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of Jizhou district.