In recent years, the Jiangyan Economic Development Zone has made significant strides in fostering specialty industries, injecting new vitality into the rural economy.
An aerial view of rural areas in Jiangyan EDZ. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_d6cb78f80c03]
The zone offers comprehensive services to local farmers, including drying facilities, machinery storage, agricultural supply distribution, and technical training. It has also established a characteristic industrial chain combining straw, substrates, and edible fungus, enabling the region's rice industry and fungus industry to complement each other.
In partnership with Nanjing University of the Arts, Jiangyan EDZ has established practice and rural culture revitalization bases for students. It also hosts farmer training sessions on agricultural innovation and promotes agritourism projects like fruit-picking, rose gardens, and colorful rice fields.
The integration of agriculture and tourism is another pillar of the zone's strategy. By leveraging local cultural resources, Jiangyan EDZ organizes agricultural festivals like the Farmers' Harvest Festival and the Crab Market Opening Festival. It has also created fungus-themed science parks and study tour routes, enriching rural tourism offerings while driving economic growth.
These initiatives have yielded impressive results. For example, the sales revenue from river crabs has reached 300 million yuan ($40.94 million), demonstrating the zone's success in combining industry, culture, and tourism to promote sustainable rural development.