The rural areas of Jilin Province, located in the northeast of China, have made significant strides towards revitalization through the introduction of “science and technology backyards” (STBs). These STBs have not only facilitated technological innovation but have also had a profound impact on academic progress within the region.
Wang Qiuju, a supervisor at Jilin Agricultural University and the chief expert of the Gongzhuling rice-fishing farming STB, proudly announced that it is the first rice-fishing farming STB in China. Currently, the province is home to 105 nationally recognized STBs, holding the top position in the country, and these STBs have played a vital role in propelling comprehensive rural revitalization.
In challenging circumstances, teachers and students from Jilin Agricultural University addressed agricultural challenges faced by local farmers in Nanwaizi village. In 2018, they began developing techniques for cultivating crayfish and crabs in rice fields, with the goal of increasing farmers’ income and bringing economic benefits to the region.
The arduous task involved years of experimentation, but the unwavering dedication of Wang and her team eventually paid off. They successfully developed a model for rice cultivation combined with crayfish and crab farming, significantly increasing both rice yield and the income of farmers in the process.
This innovative farming model has not only garnered local interest but has also received national recognition. Following their success, the Gongzhuling rice-fishing farming STB became one of the first eight STBs recognized by the province, positioning Wang as the chief expert of the STB.
The impact of the STB’s farming model has been extensive, with the cooperative’s experimental fields expanding from 10 mu to over 500 mu. This increase has made a tangible difference in the lives of farmers, significantly boosting their income and contributing to the overall welfare of the region.
The innovative approach adopted by the STB has also gained academic recognition, with 13 papers associated with the STB being included in the Science Citation Index (SCI). Furthermore, the STB has helped the cooperative register three trademarks, solidifying its status as a leading force in agricultural innovation.
Expanding their reach even further, Wang utilized social media to share videos on a popular short video app in China, attracting prospective buyers of baby crayfish from different parts of Jilin Province. In addition to this, the STB’s students played a crucial role in promoting the research results of the STB, further enhancing its impact and reach.
The province’s commitment to expanding the establishment of STBs has yielded substantial results, with postgraduates from these STBs applying for patents, publishing academic articles, holding science popularization events, providing technological services for vast areas of land, and promoting new techniques. Jilin Province has recognized the establishment of STBs as a vital measure to accelerate agricultural modernization and promote comprehensive rural revitalization.
The success of the STB program does not just end with technological advancement, as it has also played a pivotal role in nurturing young researchers and cultivating a new generation of “new farmers.” The training sessions on agricultural technologies have been beneficial to over 30,000 households, marking a fundamental shift in the agricultural landscape of Jilin Province.
The transformation witnessed in Jilin Province points towards a promising future, where the integration of science and technology promises to revitalize rural communities, uplift the lives of farmers, and pave the way for a sustainable agricultural landscape.
These efforts not only reflect the innovation and dedication of the individuals involved but also pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the rural communities of Jilin Province.