An employee harvests cherry tomatoes at the Zhangjiagang Modern Agricultural Technology Demonstration Park. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Zhangjiagang Modern Agricultural Technology Demonstration Park, a vegetable factory spanning over 53 hectares, is expected to achieve a yield of 6,000 metric tons this year, generating revenue worth 45 million yuan ($6.26 million).
Currently, the park boasts 130,000 square meters of intelligent glass greenhouses and 110,000 square meters of terraced greenhouses.
According to Zhang Qiao, the post-harvest manager of Jiangsu Changyinsha Modern Agricultural Development Co Ltd, which is operating the park, four intelligent glass greenhouses produce 18 tons of cherry tomatoes daily. The popular cherry tomatoes, harvested and packaged on the same day, are then shipped to various regions including East China, South China, and North China.
Utilizing standardized soilless cultivation techniques and intelligent water and fertilizer control systems, the labor productivity and yield in the park have been significantly increased.
"Traditional methods yield about 5-6 kilograms of cherry tomatoes per square meter. Here, the yield is as high as 30 kilograms per square meter. Coupled with intelligent automatic control systems for temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation, we can ensure uninterrupted production throughout the year," Zhang explained.
Tomatoes produced by Zhangjiagang Modern Agricultural Technology Demonstration Park. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
While increasing vegetable and fruit production, the company continues to expand its sales channels. It has established a supply chain management company to connect with high-end supermarkets and fruit shops, and has also set up a marketing team to tap into the surrounding markets through e-commerce.