Cherry tomatoes grow in Jinghai district, Tianjin. [Photo/WeChat account: jhgbdsxww]
Amid the winter chill, warmth fills the greenhouses at Tianjin Qianyun Agricultural Technology's intelligent agriculture demonstration base in Jinghai district's Taitou town, where vines are laden with plump, fresh cherry tomatoes ready for harvest.
Supported by smart cultivation technology and eco-friendly models, this batch of premium tomatoes boasts a sweet flavor, with enough supply to last until late February.
To ensure strong winter growth, the base employs various technologies. An intelligent environmental control system continuously monitors and automatically adjusts temperature and humidity for optimal conditions.
Efficient heaters also combat the outdoor cold, ensuring the soil stays warm and protecting seedlings.
The base adheres to an ecological philosophy, avoiding traditional chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it uses beneficial microbial fertilizers and eco-friendly pest control methods, which improve soil structure and enhance the plants' natural resilience, while also resulting in better taste.
The base grows over 30 mu (2 hectares) of cherry tomatoes of multiple varieties. Guan Zhongwang, deputy supervisor of the base, said the total output is expected to exceed 50,000 kilograms, with picking season to last from now through February, including the Spring Festival period, when demand is high.
Despite their high quality, the tomatoes are affordably priced, often below market rates. According to base plans, annual production is projected to surpass 250,000 kilograms by 2026, offering more of this sweet gift from Jinghai.