An aerial photo shows greenhouses lined up in neat rows in Dongping county, Tai'an, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In early spring, the prime farming season, farmers in Dongping county, Shandong province are glad to see their plants in the greenhouses growing well.

In recent years, the county has been promoting the steady growth of greenhouses for planting vegetables and fruits, building a main brand industry to accelerate rural vitalization and increase farmers' incomes.

According to Mi Houzhang, deputy head of Dongping, the county has planted 150,000 mu (10,000 hectares) of vegetables and fruits in greenhouses, with the average annual income per mu ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 yuan ($4,146.06 to $6,910.1).

The local government has provided strong support for local farmers in developing agriculture, including offering funding, hiring technical personnel to assist them, and opening marketing channels.

Thanks to local policies, numerous farmers who had previously left for work have returned to their hometowns to engage in the burgeoning field of facility agriculture.

Yan Qiang, born in the 80s in Dongping's Jieshan township, is a prime example. Formerly employed in Beijing, he has since become a local grower, managing 60 greenhouses with the local government's support. In 2023, his income soared to 1 million yuan.

The quality of agricultural products is the key to boosting the agricultural industry.

The county also prioritizes the development of new breeding varieties and has collaborated with large-scale seed companies to enhance the quality of agricultural products. Each township or subdistrict in the county has its own unique varieties, including watermelons, pumpkins, tomatoes and chilis.

In Pengji subdistrict, watermelons have become a popular crop. Pengji has cultivated watermelons and muskmelons in greenhouses covering an area of 5,200 mu, with an annual income per mu of around 50,000 yuan.

A vegetable trading market will open in Dongping this year, which will play a significant role in improving agricultural product circulation and stabilizing supply and demand.

Watermelons in Pengji subdistrict, Dongping county are creatively grown vertically on trellises in greenhouses. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]