A girl tucks into some fresh corn in Fangxi township. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

In Fangxi township in Jinyun county – administered by Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – a new corn species is expected to increase the incomes of farmers.

The corn can be eaten uncooked with its sweetness higher than watermelons, according to locals.

"When you eat raw corn for the first time, you might be a little unaccustomed to it. However, most of our customers are now regular customers. They said they were more and more 'greedy' for this unique sweet and crisp taste after the first try," said Yao Zhouqin, deputy secretary of Fangxi township Party branch.

The corn was introduced to Fangxi township in 2019. This year, the sales of more than 200 mu (13.33 hectares) of corn in Fangxi is estimated to reach 3 million yuan ($444,157).

Fangxi has a high altitude, few insects and pests, a large temperature difference between day and night and good water and fertilizer conditions.

That makes it just right for the corn to accumulate sugar, according to Chen Jianjian, an expert from the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences who was sent to Fangxi.

In order to further expand the corn market, the township has held fruit corn picking festivals and other activities to promote its corn.

It is also planning to develop corn tea, corn sugar and other related derivatives to further improve the incomes of farmers.