In the heart of Chengwu County, Heze City, in east China’s Shandong Province, a quiet revolution in farming is underway. Shandong Hao’agong Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. has implemented a cutting-edge aquaponics system that is changing how farmers grow food — and how consumers enjoy it.
Inside the company’s smart greenhouse, rows of crisp green celery thrive above tanks where fish swim freely. But this isn’t just a high-tech marvel — it’s a sustainable, soil-free, and fertilizer-free farming model that’s turning heads across China’s agricultural sector.
What Makes It Work?
At the core of this system is symbiosis:
- Fish waste, rich in ammonia, is converted by beneficial bacteria into nitrates.
- These nitrates serve as natural nutrients for the vegetables, such as celery, grown in the hydroponic section.
- The plants absorb the nutrients and clean the water, which is then recycled back to the fish tanks, creating a closed-loop cycle that requires no water changes and produces zero emissions.
Thanks to smart water-fertilizer integration systems, real-time monitoring, and insulated greenhouse designs, the facility maintains optimal temperatures (around 27°C) year-round, enabling continuous production even through cold Shandong winters.
Quality That Sells
According to technician Huang Fuxian, the aquaponics base produces around two tonnes of farm products per day, with celery being a standout crop. Consumers consistently report that aquaponics-grown celery is crisper and more flavorful than conventionally grown varieties.
This aligns with findings from recent studies:
- A 2023 research paper published in Agricultural Systems noted that aquaponics-grown leafy greens have higher nutrient density and better shelf life than soil-grown counterparts due to optimized growing conditions.
- Additionally, consumer demand for pesticide-free and organically grown produce continues to rise in China, with the market for organic vegetables growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% (Research and Markets, 2024).
Economic and Environmental Gains
The economic benefits are just as promising. With high market demand for clean-label, chemical-free produce, aquaponics farms are enjoying premium pricing. Additionally, farmers benefit from:
- Lower input costs (no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides)
- Efficient water use (up to 90% less than traditional farming)
- Year-round production cycles
- Dual-income streams from fish and vegetables
Moreover, the sustainability factor is impossible to ignore. In a region where water conservation is critical and arable land is limited, aquaponics provides a scalable solution that supports China’s national goals for sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization.
The aquaponics system in Chengwu County is more than just a greenhouse — it’s a model for the future of farming. With its blend of ecological balance, economic efficiency, and high product quality, this approach is gaining traction among farmers, agronomists, and policymakers. As global food systems face increasing pressure from climate change and resource scarcity, Shandong’s success story offers practical, replicable insights for sustainable agriculture worldwide.
