Wucheng, Shandong: Rural Revitalization Led by New Farmers

2022-06-29 15:24

　　In recent years, hydroponic vegetables have been put on the dining table of Wucheng citizens. The novel way of planting these vegetables has also made Li Xiushuang a well-known new farmer in Wucheng County, Shandong Province. Different from traditional agriculture, hydroponics uses a vertical farming structure and an intelligent circulation system. Together they can supply nutrients continuously to vegetables and use no chemical fertilizers and pesticides during the whole growing process. Therefore, it is both environment-friendly and cost-saving.

　　Li Xiushuang's hydroponic vegetable company has not only achieved her wealth but also set an example for others who want to return to rural areas to start their businesses. Lyu Jianchao, general manager of Yizhen Horticulture Co., Ltd. is busy planting and transplanting succulents of various varieties, such as Blue Elf, Blushing Beauty, and Purple Cashmere in a greenhouse in Lyuzhuang Village, Wucheng Town, Wucheng County.

　　Lyu Jianchao, a native of Lyuzhuang Village, Wucheng County, returned to his hometown to start his business after getting a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Shandong Agricultural University. In early 2013 he saw the broad market prospect of succulents and tried to build greenhouses on his farmland. With professional skills and diligence, he soon accumulated experience in cultivating and propagating succulents and his plant base achieved a steady and rapid development. With 13 succulent greenhouses, his company has become the largest succulent breeding base in northwestern Shandong.

　　Geng Zhaojiang from Zhongxiang Grain Service Corporation is another example of a new farmer who loves agriculture, knows technology and is good at management. Geng Zhaojiang devoted himself to agriculture in 2014. He tried grain planting and agricultural machinery projects. Then the supermarkets’ membership system inspired him. "If supermarkets can establish a membership system, why can’t we?" Geng Zhaojiang started to recruit members among farmers and provide them with services like grain collection, storage and drying. This endows grain with financial attributes and allows farmers to deposit grain in Grain Service Corporation just like depositing money in the bank. His corporation has now become a one-stop service provider covering the whole process of grain production from planting, management, drying and storage to processing. The new system also paves the way for increasing the value of grain, farmers' income, and agricultural efficiency.