Sowing seeds of success

Editor's note: With its people-centered philosophy, China will build the eastern province of Zhejiang into a demonstration zone for achieving common prosperity. This series looks at the latest steps taken in various areas to meet that goal.

Like many farmers, Xue Aijun used to work his 0.34-hectare plot the traditional, tough way－relying mainly on the weather to eke out a living.

But Xue's life began to take a major turn onto the road to progress four years ago, when advanced agricultural policies, management and techniques were rolled out to help sow the latest seeds of success in his rural community.

"Previously, I had to till the land myself, and the rice harvest depended on the elements," said Xue, 53.

"Now my land is under a management model that provides me with good, stable income on top of dividends from the yields. I'm also employed by the company managing the farm, so I draw a salary from the 6.67 hectares I help cover. The money, at least 100,000 yuan ($15,500) a year, is many times more than what I used to reap."

Xue is one of the growing number of rural residents of Jiashan county in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, at the forefront of benefiting from wide-ranging measures in the next crucial stages of the country's development.