|

Net gains

Tang believes in moving with the times and is now adept at using the internet to run his business. Every day, he checks online orders pouring in through the local e-commerce platform Benjiaxian, supervises packaging and ensures timely delivery.

"The internet came in really handy amid the pandemic. I needed to just click on the screen a few times to stay in business," he says.

Tang's income has tripled since he first started the farm and he is currently able to employ more villagers. Shen Xiangguan has been working for him for 20 years. The 70-year-old manages the overall plantation.

"I am getting older and, luckily for me, the job is less demanding nowadays, thanks to advanced farming equipment. I only need to keep an eye on the produce, and turn some valves here and there," says Shen, who is able to take home an annual income of more than 60,000 yuan.

Tang's thriving business is partly driven by the authorities' efforts to revitalize rural areas. An agricultural center has been established, along with a supermarket, a seeds company and a farming school.

New varieties of fruit and vegetable, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes and mulberries, are among the produce of Tang Jianqin's farm.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Besides helping local producers, these have created job opportunities, says Jin Yi, an official in charge of Majiadang. In the first half of this year, the village witnessed a tourist footfall of 90,000 and raked in 8 million yuan, Jin adds.

Construction of a new railway station, within walking distance of Tang's farm, is expected to begin this month. Majiadang will then be a 30-minute train ride from Shanghai. "We can certainly expect more visitors once the station comes up," Tang says.

In the near future, the farmer hopes to make his business largely digital. "I also want to hire young people to keep up with the times," he adds.

If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you.