Taiwan compatriot Liao Zhengyuan (left) instructs a villager on planting Taiwan okra.

In the lush farmlands of Dacuoji Village in Pingtan, Taiwanese agronomist Liao Zhengyuan is leading local farmers in planting a new crop with promising potential—Taiwanese okra. Building on last year's successful 0.33-hectare trial, Liao has expanded cultivation to one hectare this spring, opening a new source of income for local villagers. 

On site, workers carefully lay black biodegradable mulch over plots enriched with organic fertilizer. They then sow seeds through precision-cut openings in the film—part of an efficient, eco-friendly planting system. 

"This layer of mulch locks in moisture and keeps weeds at bay," said Liao, who holds a master's degree in agronomy. He has introduced Taiwan's sustainable farming techniques to Pingtan: replacing chemical fertilizers with organic compost, using biodegradable mulch, and employing Taiwan-made enzymes that attract beneficial insects for natural pest control. The entire cultivation process is chemical pesticide-free. 

Thanks to these methods, the Taiwanese okra is thriving. Liao is now preparing to register the crop as certified "green food" on the mainland. 

"Every part of this plant is valuable," Liao explained. "It can be eaten fresh or processed into health teas, and its economic returns far exceed traditional local crops like sweet potatoes and peanuts."

Villager Wei Liangsheng, who joined the expansion effort this year, recalled last season's harvest with excitement. "The profit per unit was three times that of sweet potatoes," he said. "After seeing the results, I couldn't wait to grow more."

Encouraged by both Liao's expertise and community support, Dacuoji Village has also begun constructing a small processing facility to extend the okra's value chain. 

"Our products are now available on e-commerce platforms, and the feedback has been great," Wei added. "We're aiming for even better results this year."

The current crop is expected to yield 1,500 kilograms per 0.06 hectare when harvesting begins in June. In addition to okra, Liao has introduced other Taiwanese fruit varieties to Pingtan, including papaya-passionfruit hybrids and cherry tomatoes, hoping to turn more local fields into gardens of cross-Straits cooperation.