Tianjin: Rows of green Shawo radishes are thriving in a technology demonstration base covering approximately 50 mu (about 3.33 hectares) in the suburbs of north China's Tianjin Municipality. It is currently the peak sales season for Shawo radishes, with most of the produce stored in cold facilities, awaiting distribution across the country.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the integration of the Internet of Things and sensors in the greenhouses has allowed for precise control over watering, temperature, humidity, and light, thereby enhancing the quality of the radishes. Hao Lihong, general manager of Guli farm, a cooperative in Tianjin, explained that smart planting technology will soon be introduced to over 10 greenhouses in the region, enabling farmers to manage planting via mobile phones.
The Shawo radish, named after Xiaoshawo and Dashawo Villages in Xinkou Town, has a history of over 300 years. The unique soil composition in these areas contributes to the radishes' crisp and sweet flavor. In 2024, the district government collaborated with towns, villages, and enterprises to develop a renowned Shawo radish brand.
Previously, the lack of scale and standardization in radish planting restricted the brand's potential. However, cooperation between Guli farm and Dashawo Village has improved standardization efforts. Over 300 contracted farmers have received technical training from Tianjin Academy of Agriculture Sciences and now sell their produce directly to Guli farm, bypassing the need to find sales channels independently.
Sun Guoqiang, a farmer from Dashawo Village, has seen significant benefits from this cooperation model. By the end of 2024, Guli farm had purchased all 25,000 kilograms of Shawo radishes from his five greenhouses, earning him approximately 100,000 yuan (about 13,638 U.S. dollars). With radish prices more than doubling compared to 2023, Sun plans to expand his planting area.
Recent marketing initiatives have bolstered the Shawo radish brand, with promotional activities held in Beijing and exhibitions in cities like Changsha, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. The expansion of online and offline sales channels has further boosted the industry.
Hao noted that in 2024, efforts to expand the sales chain and enhance the radishes' popularity through brand building and cultural tourism activities were intensified. This year, the company aims to collaborate with enterprises in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to facilitate sales to Hong Kong and Macao buyers.
The Shawo radish industry has significantly contributed to rural revitalization in Xinkou Town. Currently, the town has planted Shawo radishes over an area of about 7,000 mu, with an anticipated yield of around 32.5 million kilograms and a projected sales value of 250 million yuan.
Zhao Jun, the town's Party secretary, stated that plans are in place to expand Shawo radish cultivation and enhance the development of agricultural processing and tourism. The goal is to make the Shawo radish industry a model for rural revitalization by extending the industry chain and strengthening the brand.