Youth seek development in rural areas
Youth seek development in rural areas - Chinadaily.com.cn China Daily
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Improved Rural Environment and Agricultural Development Attracting Young People
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Introduction
A growing number of young people are being drawn to rural areas in China due to the improved rural environment and promising agricultural development. These young individuals are bringing modern agricultural technologies and innovations, enriching local farmers and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Case Study 1: Chai Guoquan
Chai Guoquan, aged 43, is one such individual. After working in the real estate sector for 10 years, he decided to take on the challenge of cultivating over 15 hectares of barren mountains in Wanzhi district, Wuhu, Anhui province. Chai’s efforts have resulted in the growth of organic tea, and his achievements will be celebrated at the upcoming sixth farmers’ harvest festival.
Over the course of six years, Chai expanded his agricultural base by investing in modern agricultural projects in the district. This not only created employment opportunities for local villagers but also showcased the immense potential of agricultural technology in enhancing productivity.
Currently, more than 30 farmers work at Chai’s farming base on a regular basis. During peak agricultural periods, the company hires around 80 temporary workers per day, providing them with an average daily wage of 200 yuan ($27).
Chai has introduced several advanced agricultural technologies, including ecological and digital agriculture, to promote the modernization of local farming practices. These innovations align with the SDGs, particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Case Study 2: Wu Yongze
Wu Yongze, employed by a company called “Beyond the City” in Shanghai, has developed 66.7 hectares of fields to grow organic rice in Yixian county, Huangshan, Anhui province. The rice fields, nestled among the mountains, are ready for harvest.
For Wu, the concept of harvest has evolved. It now represents high-quality development in rural areas, rather than simply satisfying hunger. The super farm developed by Wu’s team integrates the functions of the agricultural and service sectors. It not only produces agricultural products but also serves as a tourist attraction, contributing to Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Case Study 3: He Shibao
In Shandong province, a major agriculture base in China, many farmers armed with knowledge and expertise are developing high-quality agriculture in rural areas. He Shibao, aged 33, is one such farmer.
After completing his master’s degree in insectology from Chongqing’s Southwest University in 2018, He secured a position at Pingyuan Luwang Agricultural Development Company in rural Shandong. He has been utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as deep plowing and integrated water and fertilizer systems to develop the farm.
Despite managing 66 hectares of farm alone, He achieves high and stable crop yields. Even during the rainy autumn season in 2021 that flooded some cornfields, his farm saw increased corn yields thanks to advanced facilities to drain off water. He’s contributions align with Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
The talent team at Luwang farm in Pingyuan has expanded to 32 members, including nine individuals with master’s degrees. This demonstrates the positive impact of attracting young talent to rural areas and their contribution to achieving the SDGs.
Conclusion
The examples of Chai Guoquan, Wu Yongze, and He Shibao highlight the significant role that young people play in rural development and agricultural innovation in China. Their efforts not only improve the rural environment but also contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Contact the writers at zhaoruixue@chinadaily.com.cn
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance. | – Not mentioned or implied in the article. |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | – The article mentions the use of advanced agricultural technologies to enhance productivity. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – The article highlights the employment opportunities created by the agricultural projects. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | – The article mentions the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies to promote the modernization of farming practices. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. | – Not mentioned or implied in the article. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | – The article mentions the cultivation of barren mountains and the development of fields in rural areas. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn
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