Ningbo villages transform agricultural practices

Amidst the sweeping tide of rural vitalization, traditional agricultural practices in Jiangbei district, Ningbo are undergoing a profound metamorphosis, giving rise to a new breed of farmers who blend cultural awareness, technological prowess, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Chen Haidong is the manager of a grape plantation in Jiangbei. Despite his modest education, he was recognized as a senior agronomist last year, becoming the first agricultural production and management professional in Jiangbei to receive the honor. In 2023, his grape plantation was selected as a supplier for the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Paralympic Games.

His expertise has also led to over 50 local households joining the grape industry and the establishment of the Ningbo Jiangbei Adong Fruit Professional Cooperative. In 2015, the cooperative invested over 1.5 million yuan ($207,483) to launch a smart agriculture Internet of Things platform, installing intelligent irrigation systems and 360-degree HD monitoring cameras in all the greenhouses.

Chen's journey exemplifies the transition from traditional farming to innovative agricultural practices. Joining him in this transformative journey are a group of young entrepreneurs such as Zhang Xiaochen, a former architect.

Since 2018, Zhang's team has introduced over 20 studios, cafes, and stores to Jiangbei's Anshan village, attracting urban professionals seeking a rural working environment.

Zhang's team has also combined the rich historical culture of Anshan Village with the concept of rural entrepreneurship, bringing urban fashion to the countryside. They not only participate in village planning but also established a workshop which is also an exhibition center for agricultural products.

In recent years, Jiangbei has expanded its talent pool in the agricultural and rural sectors, training 328 practical rural talents and high-quality farmers and nurturing 120 agricultural entrepreneurs. Through various activities designed to attract new talent, over 700 people have joined the efforts to vitalize rural areas.