The first A+ Intelligent Greenhouse Factory, a state-of-the-art agricultural facility, has commenced operations in Haimen district, Nantong, marking a significant leap forward in high-tech farming. 

With an investment of 61 million yuan ($8.39 million) and covering 17,000 square meters, the facility has achieved a breakthrough in vegetable production, reducing the growth cycle of leafy greens to just 30 days while yielding eight times more produce than traditional farming methods‌.

The greenhouse employs thousands of sensors to monitor temperature and humidity in real-time with intelligent systems automatically adjusting ventilation and nutrient levels. Vertical farming technology has increased land utilization fivefold, while electric rail harvesting platforms have cut labor intensity by 60 percent.

An aquaponics zone features a zero-fertilizer cycle system, where processed fish waste is converted directly into plant nutrients‌, ensuring sustainable cultivation.

To meet the greenhouse's daily electricity demand — equivalent to 200 households — the State Grid Haimen Supply Company installed a 3.2-kilometer dedicated power line and a dual-circuit power supply system. A specialized team conducts daily inspections and weekly maintenance on 58 power distribution units, maintaining uninterrupted operation‌.

The factory will soon pen a research and study base, offering immersive experiences such as VR-assisted plant cell observation in the ecological education zone. Additionally, its tissue culture lab will produce virus-free strawberry seedlings under sterile conditions.

The working staff observe the growth of the vegetables in the intelligent greenhouse factory in Haimen. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]