Cole flowers blanket a field in Haimen district, Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Haimen district in Nantong was recently included on the third list of national demonstration zones for integrated industrial development in rural areas, which was released by seven ministries and national commissions, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission.

Haimen was one of seven entries in Jiangsu province, and the only one in Nantong.

The demonstration zone for integrated industrial development in rural areas is regarded as an effective development model for modern agriculture that features agricultural production, agri-product processing, application of science and technology, and tourism.

In recent years, the Haimen government has attached great importance to rural rejuvenation. The district has developed a market-oriented way to enhance the quality of agricultural production, increase farmers' incomes, and inject new momentum into rural development.

The district's demonstration zone for integrated industrial development in rural areas will offer high-quality rice and wheat, melons and vegetables. 

Officials hope it will attract 300 million yuan ($45.70 million) in investment, which will be used to build an array of projects, including an intelligent unmanned farm, a cold-chain deep processing logistics center, and a modern agriculture development center.

Officials have said that the local government will further upgrade development models, introduce preferential policies, and improve financing mechanisms to promote the integrated development of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries in rural areas.