China has emerged as a global leader in agricultural scientific and technological innovation. Over 96 percent of the nation's farmland is used for improved crop varieties, and the comprehensive mechanization rate of crop cultivation and harvesting surpasses 75 percent.

Earlier this month, a China Daily photographer traveled to Shenxian county in Shandong province, the top vegetable-producing county in China, to document its farming in action. Shenxian boasts 66,700 hectares of land dedicated to the mixed growth of melons, vegetables and mushrooms, achieving a yield of 5.2 million metric tons annually. Its planting area and output rank top among counties nationwide.

Contact the writers at zouhong@chinadaily.com.cn