June 25 marked China's 36th National Land Day, themed "Cherish Every Inch of Land and Promote High-Quality Development." In recent years, Changzhou has been exploring new ways to strengthen farmland protection and food security through its innovative "Hundred-Thousand-Ten Thousand" farmland cluster initiative, which consolidates fragmented plots into larger, more productive agricultural zones.

One of the initiative's most visible success stories can be found in Huangjin village, Zhulin town, Jintan district.

Today, nearly 2,000 mu (about 133 hectares) of contiguous farmland stretches across the village. Freshly harvested wheat fields have yielded around 400 kilograms per mu, while farmers are already preparing the land for rice planting. Smart agricultural equipment, including unmanned machinery and digital monitoring systems, has become part of daily farming operations.

The landscape looked very different just two years ago.

At the time, the area consisted of scattered ponds, uneven plots and aging irrigation facilities that limited large-scale mechanized farming. Through land consolidation and infrastructure upgrades, the village transformed fragmented farmland into a modern agricultural zone complete with irrigation channels, farm roads and a 500-mu smart farming area.

The changes have brought tangible benefits. Grain yields have increased, farming has become more efficient, and local residents have seen improvements in both income and living conditions. The area has also developed into a seasonal attraction, with rapeseed flowers drawing visitors in spring and golden rice fields creating picturesque rural scenery in autumn.

Huangjin village is part of Changzhou's broader effort to protect and improve farmland resources.

To address challenges such as fragmented farmland and shrinking grain-growing areas, the city launched its "Hundred-Thousand-Ten Thousand" farmland cluster program, which promotes the development of contiguous farmland zones at different scales. The initiative combines land consolidation, infrastructure improvement, ecological restoration and modern agricultural development.

As the only pilot city of its kind in Jiangsu province, Changzhou was among the first to establish dedicated farmland protection plans at both municipal and county levels. The city has also introduced incentive policies to encourage local governments to participate in farmland restoration and high-standard farmland construction.

These efforts have produced visible results. Changzhou's total area of arable land has increased steadily for four consecutive years, while newly improved farmland is being incorporated into long-term protection systems to ensure sustainable agricultural use.

Beyond protecting farmland, the initiative is helping modernize agriculture and create new opportunities for rural development.

In Huangjin village, smart farming technologies now support cultivation throughout the production cycle. Sensors monitor soil conditions and crop health, while drones and automated machinery improve efficiency and reduce labor demands. Mechanized operations account for more than 80 percent of farming activities.

The improved farmland has also supported the development of premium agricultural products. Local "Huangjin Soft Rice" has become a recognized specialty brand, demonstrating how better farmland can contribute to higher-value agricultural production.

At the same time, agriculture and tourism are becoming increasingly connected. Fields of rapeseed flowers, rice paddies and rural landscapes have turned productive farmland into an attractive destination for visitors, generating additional income for local communities.

Looking ahead, Changzhou plans to expand the farmland cluster model across the city while continuing to promote high-standard farmland construction, ecological restoration and smart agriculture.

By transforming fragmented plots into productive, modern agricultural zones, the city is strengthening food security while supporting rural revitalization and sustainable development. As Huangjin village demonstrates, protecting farmland is not only about preserving agricultural resources—it is also about creating stronger rural communities and a more resilient future.

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