Planting watermelons in China's largest desert, the Taklimakan, has become a new way of achieving sand control and raising incomes.

About 1,730 hectares of seeded watermelons are harvested in Qiemo County of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region after they were planted for the first time in May.

The watermelon seeds will be roasted and consumed as a popular snack in the country.