Protected agriculture in Tai'an boosts employment

Pengji sub-district in Dongping county, located in Tai'an city of East China's Shandong province, has been promoting protected agriculture, which in turn has helped villagers earn income.

Protected agriculture is a modern agricultural method that utilizes engineering techniques for efficient production.

This year, the sub-district's Beizhangquan village has transferred 100 mu (6.67 hectares) of land to build over 30 steel framed greenhouses for agriculture development.

Upon hearing the recruitment information, villager Liu Wenlan immediately signed up. "Now I can earn 2,000 to 3,000 yuan every month, it is quite a good job and it is right at my doorway," she said.

In the village's Zhangquan protected agriculture area, over 40 local villagers have been involved in this initiative, with the annual wages for employees and land transfer fees amounts exceeding 1.5 million yuan.

Moreover, some villagers have decided to start their own businesses by renting greenhouses from the village.

The guarantee of full-process agricultural technology guidance, targeted acquisition, shared technology, and shared sales channels has freed the villagers from worries.

A driving effect of protected agriculture is emerging throughout Pengji sub-district. Through six months of development, the industry has attracted 37 migrant workers to return to their hometowns. Additionally, some 860 residents have achieved employment at their doorsteps. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

Villagers harvest bitter melons. [Photo by Ma Xiaoting for chinadaily.com.cn]

Villagers keep busy by carefully cultivating celery crops. [Photo by Ma Xiaoting for chinadaily.com.cn]