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Revolutionising Rural Agriculture: The Rise of Technology Farmers in Wuxing, Fujian
In the rural village of Wuxing in Fujian Zhangzhou Pinghe County, a new breed of farmers is emerging. These farmers, known as "technology farmers," are embracing scientific advancements to revolutionise their agricultural practices. Led by Liu Yaidong, a graduate student from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, this group is focused on improving the fertilisation methods for honey teak trees, a key agricultural industry in the region.
For years, farmers in Wuxing Village believed that more fertilisation would lead to better crop yields. However, Liu Yaidong's research has revealed that this approach has actually been detrimental to the quality of the fruit. The overuse of fertilisers has caused soil acidification and other serious issues. Recognising the need for a scientific approach, Liu and his team established the Pinghe Beetle Science and Technology Home in the village.
Pinghe County is renowned for its honey teak cultivation, with an impressive 100 acres of land dedicated to this crop. The county boasts the highest output, market share, and export volume in the country. However, the decline in fruit quality has been a cause for concern among farmers. Liu Yaidong's research has shed light on the root cause of this decline – unscientific fertilisation methods.
The Pinghe Beetle Science and Technology Home, established in 2019, aims to use scientific technology and theoretical knowledge to develop a more scientific approach to fertilisation. By addressing the issue of over-fertilisation and soil acidification, Liu and his team hope to improve the quality of the honey teak fruit and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
The concept of technology farms, where graduate students are stationed in rural areas to provide technical support and solve practical problems, is not new. It was pioneered by Fukuyuki, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, in 2009. These technology farms have since spread across the country, yielding impressive results. The Agricultural University of China's research fertility model won the National Teaching Achievement Award for Higher Education, and their work has been published in internationally renowned scientific journals.
In Pinghe County, where Liu Yaidong is based, beef cultivation has been a way of life for many generations. However, even experienced farmers like Lin Xinmin have faced challenges due to outdated farming practices. Lin believed that more fertilisation would lead to better harvests, but he was unaware of the negative consequences of over-fertilisation. Soil acidification and water source depletion have impacted the quality and income of the teak trees.
Similarly, in Xingning District, farmers transitioning from decentralised to intensive farming have encountered new challenges. Zhang Lang, a student from Guangxi Xingningfu Chicken Technology Square, highlights the difficulties faced by farmers in maintaining a hygienic farming environment and preventing diseases in a densely populated chicken shed. Traditional farming methods are no longer effective in this new context.
The arrival of graduate students like Liu Yaidong and Zhang Lang brings fresh perspectives and advanced agricultural knowledge to these rural communities. Their presence signifies a reverse movement of population, as young people choose to stay and contribute to the development of their hometowns. By combining their academic training with practical experience, these technology farmers are bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern scientific advancements.
"Technology farmers" in China are revolutionising farming practices by embracing scientific advancements.
Unscientific fertilisation methods have led to a decline in fruit quality in honey teak cultivation.
Graduate students stationed in rural areas are providing technical support and solving practical problems.
Source: PINGWEST