Zhejiang pilots rural reform, equates farmers with professors

Four farmers in Zhejiang province are trending on the internet after they were recently awarded the title of senior professionals, equivalent to that of a college professor.

Zhejiang's agriculture and rural affairs departments awarded the titles to the first batch of four professional farmers, who are skilled in the fields of seed breeding, animal breeding and planting. This is the first time in Zhejiang that professional farmers are being given titles like those of scientific researchers.

Many people regard agricultural work as labor-intensive and not requiring special talent. Therefore, farmers do not command as much respect as, say, scientific researchers.

Such stereotypes impede the development of the agriculture industry by discouraging people from entering the field. Talent, the weak link in agricultural production, is also the top priority for rural rejuvenation.

That is why, in recent years, the country has encouraged the cultivation of a new kind of farmers－professional farmers, who are high in professional skills.

Only after farmers clear a career path and promotion channel will the profession win public recognition and attract more talents to work as professional farmers and make contributions to the field.

Reports say that in recent years about 160,000 new kind of professional farmers in Zhejiang province have cleared professional skill tests to work in large family farms, rural cooperatives and agricultural enterprises.

In July 2017, Zhejiang eased restrictions to make professional farmers eligible for evaluation as senior professionals.

Zhejiang's pilot reform program giving farmers a professional title is conducive to doing away with social discrimination against farmers and will help provide a better career environment for agricultural talents, which is crucial for rural rejuvenation.