[Video] The entrepreneurs transforming rural lives

China’s countryside is seeing a surge of entrepreneurs, many of whom have left city jobs to transform rural lives in distinctive ways. Based on official statistics, as many as 12.2 million people returned to the countryside as entrepreneurs. Some of them introduce cutting-edge technology and techniques such as drones and automation to streamline farming processes. Others impart their knowledge to standardise farming procedures and innovate business models for improved yields and profitability.

Their efforts have contributed to a growing rural economy. A People’s Daily report noted that the contribution rate of agricultural technological progress surpassed 60% in 2023. In the same year, rural online retail sales reached 2.49 trillion RMB.

These individuals are also instilling a renewed sense of hope and joy in rural communities. They are engaging with children left behind by migrant parents, and introducing them to urban music, dance and sports trends to combat the emotional challenges of parental absence. Additionally, their initiatives to enhance infrastructure and introduce concepts like homestays are generating extra income and fostering a sense of pride and ownership among villagers.

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