"These tomatoes are all grown from seeds developed by our company. They fetch nearly 10 yuan ($1.54) per kilogram in the market, and each greenhouse nets a profit of around 100,000 yuan," said the enthusiastic manager on Jan 15, as he surveyed the sea of red fruits inside a greenhouse at the Liannong Gongfu Agricultural Industrial Park in Nanjie village in Ningyang county, Tai'an.

Sixteen standardized greenhouses stand together, forming the warmest "income-boosting base" in winter. Upon entering, warmth and the sweet scent of fruit greet visitors. Clusters of plump tomatoes hang from vines, shining under the sun against lush green leaves.

The park has created local job opportunities.

"Working close to home not only adds to our income but also gives us peace of mind", said Zhu Xiangying, a local villager, "Now there's work all year round. I earn about 70 to 80 yuan a day, which is much better than relying on weather-dependent farming."

This small tomato base supports big hopes for rural vitalization. Focusing on maximizing land efficiency, the village has shifted its approach, selected superior crop varieties, enhanced technical skills, and expanded market access.

This approach has revitalized the land, with diverse produce such as yams, broccoli, and watermelons gradually taking shape. The shift from single-crop farming to diversified operations is injecting fresh vitality into the local economy, paving a broader path toward prosperity for villagers.

Villager defies the winter slowdown by growing tomatoes and earning extra income right outside their homes in Ningyang, Tai'an. [Photo/Taian Daily]