Cixi delves into modern agriculture

Industrialized production

"Industrialized production is another feature of Cixi modern agriculture park," said Zhou Qi, deputy general manager of Cixi Ruifeng Agriculture Development Co Ltd.

Zheng cited the example of the mushroom plantations, which stand as one of the main products of his company.

"We talked with Japanese experts on developing the type of equipment that specializes in producing mushrooms and trying to figure out an efficient way to accelerate packaging and reduce labor costs."

Zheng has certainly managed to apply the advice effectively because Ruifeng currently produces 1,500 metric tons of mushrooms every year and amasses an annual output value in excess of 30 million yuan ($4.39 million).

Ruifeng company at the industrial park plants mushrooms with the help of special equipment. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Green agriculture

The Ningbo Diary Group in the industrial park has adopted green measures such as a comprehensive recycling system in one of its pastures. There are some 3,000 cows spread across 2,000 square kilometers of farmland, which offers amble room to feeding. The area not only strives to raise cows but collects the excretion in order to produce bio fertilizer and marsh gas.

Comprehensive development

The range of agricultural products continues to gain in value as the park combines its agricultural vision with touristic developments. A grape-themed park represents the latest development and is comprised of vineyards boasting more than 50 types of grapes. Visitors can spend a day picking grapes, learning about grape growing culture, and eating grapes and grape products. Over the past year, the grape park has received over 15,000 visitors.

People wander around in the shade of a grape trellis and enjoy the sights and smells at the theme park. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]