Intelligent technology rules in small Tianjin town

The use of intelligent technology in the cultivation and production of the common radish has transformed a small town in Tianjin, according to local officials.

"From seed selection, planting, maintenance to sheds... these growing radishes are all supported by smart technologies," said Ren Xiuyuan, party secretary of Xinkou Town in Xiqing district in Tianjin.

Ren said the planting took place in area of 3.3 hectares in the Shawo Radish Intelligent Demonstration Zone.

According to the local official, extending the radish planting in the town to about 400 hectares will bring in sales of about 500 million yuan ($70 million) a year.

“Radishes are broadly welcomed in market with increasing prices,” Ren said. “We will continue efforts to make it a stronger sector, to facilitate local development and residents' income.”

Yet the town has faced problems in recent years, suffering from insufficient labor, a small scale of activity and outdated facilities – all of which have curbed the growing development of the product there.

Facing up to the situation, the local government initiated efforts to establish an intelligent demo zone where watering, fertilization, temperature, humidity and light were all managed technically.

Ren said that the standardized cultivation techniques jointly established by radish planting experts and experienced local farmers would also be promoted to farmers throughout the town.

“The government funded the farmers to transform old sheds, establish standardized greenhouses, improve the infrastructure, optimize the seeds and improve the quality of the radishes,” she added.

The town's farmers have also significantly increased sales by selling their products online.

In 2015, the town established the Shawo Radish Culture Exhibition Center to let visitors learn the historical origin and modern development of the product. In addition, the town is also actively developing cultural tourism projects.