Meet the 28-Year-Old Farm Manager Turning Challenges Into Crops
Wang Lingli's career took an unconventional turn after graduation. Instead of chasing city opportunities, she returned to her hometown in the Chinese mainland to manage the Chongzhou Yangliu farm cooperative. Her first year tested her resolve: pests and crop diseases slashed wheat yields, highlighting the gap between academic knowledge and hands-on agriculture.
'Studying textbooks didn’t prepare me for real-world crises,' Wang reflects. She immersed herself in agricultural science, merging modern techniques with local wisdom. By 2021, her efforts transformed 260 hectares of land into a thriving operation, generating 2.77 million yuan ($384,000) for the cooperative—a 40% increase from pre-pandemic harvests.
A Blueprint for Young Agripreneurs
Wang’s story mirrors a growing trend of young professionals revitalizing rural economies through tech-savvy farming. Her cooperative now employs 15 full-time staff and partners with universities to trial drought-resistant crops. Analysts note such initiatives could help address global food security challenges while creating sustainable income streams.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
