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“Science and technology backyards” help drive talent development in China’s rural areas
By Wu Yue, People’s Daily
In recent years, more and more graduate schools in China have sent their students to stay for a long period of time at the “science and technology backyards” in the front line of agricultural production in rural areas so that they can study and work out solutions to the practical problems for farmers based on their theoretical knowledge.
Each “science and technology backyard” is equipped with a supervisor of master’s degree program in agriculture and at least two postgraduate students studying for a master’s degree in agriculture. The supervisor, who has outstanding scholarship and strong practical abilities, serves as the chief expert of the team, which stays at the “science and technology backyard” for no less than 120 days a year.
Each of these “backyards” is sponsored by either leading enterprise, research institute, association, cooperative, industrial park or local government, which guarantees the teachers’ and students’ board and lodging, pay their transportation expenses, and provide allowances for the students.
Every “backyard” focuses on the industry of one of the major agricultural products of the county it is in, and helps local farmers solve the practical problems they encounter in agricultural production.
Farmers have often lined up before dawn to seek advice on crop diseases at the “science and technology backyard” where a team led by Zhang Fusuo, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has been stationed.
Since 2009, Zhang has led a team composed of teachers and graduate students from the China Agricultural University (CAU) to rural areas. They spend over 300 days a year in villages and eat, live, and work together with farmers, finally gaining first-hand experience with farmers and agricultural production and making “science and technology backyard” popular among farmers.
A platform that facilitates communication and interaction among the government, enterprises, farmers and technologies has gradually taken shape in these “science and technology backyards”, driving continuous innovation in and application of technologies, said Zhang.
The key of modernization of agriculture and rural areas lies in technologies and talents, which are exactly the treasure brought by “science and technology backyards” to rural areas.
These “backyards” allow teachers and students to translate scientific and technological achievements into techniques that can be readily used by farmers at a faster pace and help students put their knowledge to good use and enhance their capabilities in practice.
They provide a solution to the disjunction between scientific research and production needs, between scientific and technological personnel and farmers, and between talent cultivation and social needs.
Through the platform, students have gained a better understanding of agricultural production process at first hand, carried out scientific research based on farmers’ needs, and improved their capabilities to bear hardships and stand hard work as well as their communication skills.
In addition, the talent training model of the “science and technology backyard” helps promote the combination of imparting knowledge and all-round education, fields and classrooms, theory and practice, scientific research and promotion, innovation and service, and motivate Chinese universities and colleges with agriculture-related degree programs to deepen the reform of their postgraduate educational models.
By improving farmers’ scientific literacy through activities carried out to promote technologies, train farmers in farming techniques, and popularize scientific knowledge, the “science and technology backyards” have cultivated local talents for rural revitalization in Chinese villages.
On the other hand, the graduate students stationed at these “backyards” are not only learners and beneficiaries of “lessons given in the fields”, but also service providers for and contributors to rural revitalization.
For over one decade, more than 800 supervisors from inside and outside universities and over 1,500 graduate students have participated in the construction and operation of the “science and technology backyards”. The activities they conducted in the fields have benefited over 80,000 people. A total of more than 200,000 farmers have been trained offline thanks to these “backyards”.
Over the past more than 10 years, more than 30 colleges and universities in China have established over 300 “science and technology backyards”, which have covered 135 industrial systems, provided agricultural production demonstration in farmlands with a total area of more than one million mu (about 66,667 hectares), and trained more than 200,000 farmers.
These “science and technology backyards” have cooperated with 63 cooperatives and 37 companies and jointly promoted the application of technologies in 560 million mu of farmland.
As the postgraduate cultivation model of the “science and technology backyards” is constantly promoted, more of such “backyards” are expected to be built in the vast countryside of China and bring a better future to rural areas.
News
Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.
The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.
Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.
Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.
The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.
Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.
As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.
With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
News
KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “
Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”
News
CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda
The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.
The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.
Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.
Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.
He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.
The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.
The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.
Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.
The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.
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