《My enriching campus journey: A glimpse into rural life and agricultural progress》

Name：Yang Zhitao
Nationality：China
University：Yunnan Agricultural University
Tutor: Lu Yao, Chen Ji

In the quiet moments of evening, as the sun gently spilled its light into my room, I found myself reaching out to grasp its warmth, only to see it slip between my fingers like grains of sand. The sky outside was gradually darkening, and amidst this transition, my uncle's voice resonated, urging children to come home for dinner. And as the day and I both began to close our eyes, a familiar car horn sounded in the distance - a signal that my father had returned from the fields, carrying with him a bag of apples. I recall asking about the origin of these apples, and he shared that they were a gift from an uncle, plucked from the orchards of Fumin County in Kunming. With excitement brimming in my heart, I took a bite and embarked on a journey of reminiscence.

This particular memory centers around the first time my major led us to explore the countryside as part of our studies. The purpose was to delve into rural management and operations, and as the excitement surged within us that morning, we skipped breakfast and clutched an apple purchased the day before, fearing we might miss our inaugural internship. Departing from the city, I gazed out of the vehicle's window at the urban steel forest that slowly gave way to rolling hills reminiscent of undulating waves. These hills were adorned with farmers toiling in the fields, and my eyes were drawn to the symphony of machines plowing the land and the neat rows of greenhouses punctuating the landscape. As the car continued its journey, the mountainside came alive with solar panels, resembling scales delicately attached to the earth. I hummed along with the wind's melody and savored a bite of the apple - a burst of sweetness that resonated with the scenery around me.

Maidichong Village welcomed us with its vibrant Miao customs, an integral part of its identity. With more than 80 percent of its population belonging to the Miao ethnic group, the village's customs and traditions remained beautifully preserved, adding to its unique allure. Our immersion in this cultural tapestry began around an hour and a half after setting out. This tobacco and apple-rich model village welcomed us with open arms, as the village committee members and villagers exuded an eagerness and hospitality that mirrored the joy of children reuniting with their homes. As we engaged in conversations, we were led to the tobacco plantations. The air was infused with the scent of rain-soaked grass and tobacco, dispelling any residual morning drowsiness.

Curiosity prompted us to inquire about the village's flourishing tobacco cultivation, and one of the aunts enthusiastically narrated the story. "This thousand mu of tobacco," she began, "is the collective effort of our village residents. We work together to cultivate and later collaborate with Hongta Group for its procurement. Our remote location necessitates internal consumption for sustenance, with livestock and crops fulfilling our daily needs." Her words painted a vivid picture of unity and determination, exemplifying the essence of their economic development. I listened intently, occasionally biting into the apple, which seemed to have absorbed the village's spirit of resilience.

Guided by the village committee members and the villagers who tended to the tobacco crops, we embarked on a journey through the tobacco fields. Maidichong Village's primary economic pillar was tobacco, and nearly 2,000 mu (approximately 1,333 acres) of land were dedicated to its cultivation. As we roamed through the verdant expanse, we couldn't help but marvel at the sheer dedication invested in this industry. The symphony of lowing cattle momentarily interrupted our conversations, serving as a reminder of the advancing hour. Recognizing the need to move on, our aunt ushered us toward another destination - Madi Village.

Madi Village revealed its own treasure - apple orchards that annually hosted college students for educational experiences. Our ascent along the cement road brought us alongside apple trees lining the path. The apples, bathed in sunlight, radiated a deep crimson hue that seemed to capture the very essence of the sun. Underfoot, the roots seemed to embrace the earth, nurturing an intricate bond between the trees and the land. As we approached the farm, the owners welcomed us, donning the marks of diligent labor with muddy shoes and aprons, cradling rosy-cheeked children. The host aunt generously presented us with a basket brimming with apples. Grateful, we expressed our appreciation, lauding the apples' sweetness with contented smiles.

The aunt, an integral part of the host family, shared insights into the strategic direction guiding their apple plantation. Through a symbiotic relationship they called "base scenic spot," and incorporating principles of "organic, digital, and implementation," they had created a model that harmonized governmental, research, enterprise, cooperative, and e-commerce logistics elements. This comprehensive approach encompassed the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as dwarfing methods, efficient water and fertilizer use, integrated pest control, and intelligent management. The result was a system that maximized yields and quality while minimizing environmental impact. Collaborations with platforms like Yunnan's digital agriculture service platform further amplified their success, enabling brand promotion through innovative methods like live broadcasts. The aunt's account conveyed the remarkable transformation of Ma Di Village from a struggling community to an exemplar of rural resurgence.

In her narration, the aunt shared the village's arduous journey. Ma Di Village, characterized by high altitudes and economic challenges, was once a landscape of thatched and tiled houses, where clothing was scarce and poverty pervasive. However, the winds of change began to blow as the country initiated poverty alleviation efforts, providing them with financial aid and agricultural guidance. Drawing from their surroundings, the villagers ventured into apple cultivation, eventually finding their footing and overcoming the odds. Through trials and trust-building, they forged a path to prosperity, reflecting the apples' resilience in the face of adversity. As I listened to her tale, I relished another bite of the apple - an embodiment of their sweet triumph.

The journey concluded, and we descended the mountainside, sharing the gifted apples with local farmers. Their joyous simplicity enveloped the atmosphere as we embarked on our journey back to school. This countryside immersion not only deepened our understanding of agricultural management and rural development but also enriched our souls. With the sun setting over the landscape, the farmers' diligent figures adorned the scene - a constellation of stars illuminating the progress. Pesticide-spraying drones, solar-powered greenhouses, and illuminated fields spoke of an era marked by innovation and agricultural advancement.

The majesty of this era left me in awe, reflecting upon the formidable spirit of the farmers who, against all odds, hopped aboard the train of progress, propelling their nation forward. Amidst the golden hue of twilight, I couldn't help but murmur, "The apple was so sweet."