CheerBio Technology, a company based in the Haimen district, Nantong, has been using technology to empower plant cultivation and has gradually opened up international markets in recent years.

Founded over three years ago, CheerBio Technology now operates a sales network that spans seven provinces and 15 cities across China. The company's innovative Internet of Things (IoT) hydroponic farming machines have been exported to Japan, Australia, Canada, and Qatar. Last year, the company achieved a sales revenue of over 5 million yuan ($688,780), with 60 percent of that coming from international trade.

The company's market competitiveness is hydroponic farming, where the plant roots are immersed in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. The system is designed in layers, starting with a nutrient layer at the bottom, followed by a seedling layer. The third, fourth, and fifth layers are dedicated to plant growth, with each layer controlled independently. For example, when growing lettuce, seeds are placed in the bottom layer's perforated seed trays. After two to three days of germination, the seedlings are moved to the growth layers above. Within about a month, the lettuce is ready for harvest.

"The cost of growing leafy vegetables is around 3 yuan per kilogram, and the produce is ready to eat immediately, without traditional storage or packaging. In developed countries, leafy vegetables are sold for 50 to 60 yuan per kg, so our cost control makes our products popular overseas," said Liang Xiaokai, chief executive officer of CheerBio Technology.

Currently, CheerBio Technology has trial planting data for over 2,000 seed varieties worldwide, including 1,500 foreign varieties, and this data continues to expand. "Our goal is to make it possible for people worldwide to easily grow their favorite fruits and vegetables with just one click," Liang added.

A representative from CheerBio introduces the company's innovative IoT hydroponic farming machine to visitors. [Photo/Nantong Daily]