Springtime rush in burdock fields

As spring rolls in, farming activities in Xiajin county increase, particularly in the bustling burdock fields. The early days of spring signal a critical period for agriculture, with farmers and cooperatives like the Duikouyi town's Canal Station Cooperative jumping into action well before the season peaks.

The rich soil of the Canal West Bank Cooperative, located in Duikouyi town, spans 600 mu (40 hectares) and is alive with activity. Now is the optimal time for planting burdock, and the fields are a flurry of action.

At the burdock planting site of Duikouyi town's Canal Station Cooperative, a ridging machine is being used. [Photo by Tian Yongda for chinadaily.com.cn]

Teams of over 50 workers, supported by an arsenal of agricultural machinery such as ridgers, compactors, and trenchers, tirelessly work the land. The symphony of machines humming and the sight of fertile earth being meticulously prepared for seeding are clear signs of the community's dedication to farming.

This collective effort is more than just about the current crop; it's about laying the groundwork for future prosperity and increasing the village's collective wealth.

Song Juren, Party branch secretary of Guanxinzhuang village, Duikouyi town, notes the cooperative's strategic start to the season at the end of February, which has drawn around 200 daily workers from the town and its surrounding areas. This land is a significant source of income for villagers, offering earnings between 4,000 to 6,000 yuan ($830).

At the burdock planting site of Duikouyi town's Canal Station Cooperative, an operator uses a compactor. [Photo by Tian Yongda for chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond financial gain, this initiative serves a crucial role in providing local employment opportunities, bolstering the village's economy, and meeting the employment needs of the community. (Edited by Cai Liting)