On April 18, the Information Office of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Government held a press conference, presenting Liaoning’s initiative to send technicians to rural areas to provide assistance in 2024.

As one of the first provinces to implement the Science and Technology Special Commissioner System, Liaoning pioneered an integrated working model that trains chief technicians, technical teams, technical groups and farmer technicians. It has provided both talent and technical support for ensuring agricultural production, increasing rural residents’ income, promoting rural development, and addressing weak links in the county economy.

This year, Liaoning will establish more than 150 technical teams with over 1,300 agricultural technicians, and send them to nearly 100 agricultural counties and districts. They will work closely with rural residents on the frontlines of agricultural production to solve technical problems. Specifically, for five nation-level innovation counties or county-level cities such as Donggang and Suizhong, special technical teams proficient in the storage and processing of blueberries, strawberries, and vegetables will be dispatched. For seven nation-level demonstration counties or county-level cities for rural revitalization, including Xinmin, Zhuanghe, and Linghai, special technical teams specializing in fruit and vegetable processing, small berry cultivation, and livestock and poultry disease prevention and control will be sent. In addition, 17 key counties designated to receive assistance for rural revitalization such as Zhangwu, Yixian, and Jianchang, will receive special technical teams in areas such as beef cattle, fruit trees, and flowers. Through on-site technical guidance, observation, and telephone consultations, they will address the urgent needs of rural residents and establish a platform for technology services by engaging with agricultural enterprises, cooperatives, and individual rural residents.

Liaoning will also offer training courses for farmer technicians, which will be tailored to the specific needs of different regions and their characteristic industries. These courses aim to cultivate farmer technicians who are passionate about agriculture, skilled in techniques, and proficient in management, and will serve as leaders in rural revitalization. For example, focusing on the small berry industry of Dandong, a training course on substrate blueberry cultivation techniques will be organized in collaboration with Liaodong University. Similarly, in Huludao’s fruit tree industry, a training course on fruit tree cultivation techniques will be conducted in collaboration with the Research Institute of Pomology of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.