The crayfish cultivated in Zhenlai county, Jilin. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

What was once considered barren saline-alkali land in Zhenlai county, Northeast China's Jilin province, is emerging as a promising base for premium freshwater seafood.

Entrepreneur Ge Jun from Anhui province relocated his family to Zhenlai in 2020, betting on aquaculture as his final entrepreneurial venture. His first attempt was largely unsuccessful, with trials of lotus, fox nuts, and crayfish failing, while only Chinese mitten crabs survived. Convinced that unsuitable seed stock was the key challenge, Ge spent four years refining cultivation techniques.

Working with researchers from Jilin Agricultural University and other institutions, his team developed a series of innovations, including acclimating seedlings before release, transporting tiny larvae instead of larger juveniles, and combining greenhouse nursery cultivation with pond farming.

The crayfish cultivated in Zhenlai county, Jilin. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

By 2024, crayfish survival rates had exceeded 90 percent, while disease incidence had fallen below 3 percent, overcoming a major obstacle to raising southern crayfish in northern China.

Zhenlai's natural conditions have also become a competitive advantage. The cool climate and long growing season allow crayfish and Chinese mitten crabs to reach the market after the southern harvest season, while the slightly alkaline water and abundant sunshine contribute to their distinctive flavor and quality.