Under the bright sunshine, the vast watermelon fields in Zhongmu county of Zhengzhou, Henan province, are thriving, with juicy watermelons that promise fortune to the locals. This area is celebrated as the 'Hometown of Watermelons', showcasing a fruitful watermelon sector that encompasses farming, processing, and sales.

According to local authorities, this thriving sector employs around 80,000 people and generates an impressive annual output value of 800 million yuan, approximately equivalent to 110 million US dollars. The economic impact of the watermelon industry is a critical driving force for the local economy.

Ma Jie, head of the agricultural production department at the local rural affairs commission, explained that historically, farmers cultivated a wide variety of watermelons, which included both large traditional types and smaller 'Xiaodiao' variants. However, recent trends indicate a shifting focus, with Xiaodiao watermelons now dominating the landscape.

To enhance quality, local producers have partnered with research institutions to develop superior watermelon varieties and promote eco-friendly farming techniques. Ma stated that over 80 percent of the watermelon cultivation in Zhongmu now consists of the Xiaodiao variety.

The watermelon industry in Zhongmu has established a complete value chain that includes cultivation, processing, sales, and even agritourism. This comprehensive approach has fueled job creation and revitalized the local economy significantly, as noted by Ma.

Every June, coinciding with the traditional Chinese calendar, the prime season for producing watermelon jam arrives. Local resident Wang Xiaopo shares that he sets aside a specific amount of watermelons each year for this beloved processed food product.

Li Zexi, a 32-year-old entrepreneur who runs a local company specializing in the sale of watermelon jam both online and offline, has observed the sauce's transformation into a cherished delicacy within the community. He recalls how, for previous generations, this sauce served as a vital condiment during times of scarcity.

Li noted that contemporary urban consumers seek this sauce not only for its flavor but also for the nostalgic connection it holds to their childhood. To elevate the status of this traditional product, he collaborates with scientific research institutions in the food sector and a local agricultural vocational school.

Through these collaborative efforts, Li is dedicated to breathing new life into watermelon jam, positioning it as a key part of the local culinary landscape. This commitment underscores the intersection of tradition and modernity, highlighting Zhongmu's innovative approach to agriculture and food processing.