Visitors check out new varieties of cherry tomatoes. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]
A variety of novel vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products made their debut at the 2025 Tianjin International Seed Industry Expo, held in Xiqing district, Tianjin, over the weekend.
At the booth of Tianjin Hui'erjia Seed Technology Co, more than a dozen potted cauliflower plants, freshly dug from the soil that morning, drew significant attention. Zhang Xiaoman, the head of international trade, was busy receiving buyers interested in potential cooperation.
"Our products are mainly exported to Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states such as Pakistan and India," Zhang said. "Therefore, this expo focuses on showcasing cold-resistant seeds for the current season, along with a small quantity of seeds suitable for sowing after next spring."
"Unexpectedly, a buyer from Kazakhstan approached us just now, discussing their climate conditions and expressing interest in both cauliflower and broccoli seeds," Zhang added. "Although we don't currently have business in Kazakhstan, we look forward to potential technical exchanges or cooperation in the future. This represents a new opportunity for Hui'erjia."
In recent years, the government of Xiqing district has strengthened policy support and implemented a series of initiatives, including the development of high-standard farmland, agriculture facility construction, renovation of outdated greenhouses, and post-disaster recovery of the Dongdian flood detention area.
"Currently, the seed industry chain in Xiqing is continuously improving," Ma Jianfang, deputy director of the Xiqing District Agricultural and Rural Development Service Center, said. "With a focus on highlighting vegetable specialties, strengthening the rice industry, and elevating planting and breeding standards, we are deeply exploring the 'golden key' to seed industry development."
The district has gathered 21 high-quality seed enterprises with an annual production capacity of over 1,000 tons of improved seeds. The annual revenue of the seed industry has now exceeded 1 billion yuan ($140 million), according to Ma.
The world's first color-changing radish is displayed at the expo. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]
Different varieties of cucumbers and corn are exhibited. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]
Professional buyers engage in business discussions. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]