Innovative land model boosts incomes, farm efficiency in Shandong village

A pioneering land management system in Ningyang county, Tai'an, East China's Shandong province, is achieving remarkable results, increasing village revenue while reducing the use of agricultural chemicals. The "Three-Field System" has transformed farmland management in Sitou town by creating multiple income streams for farmers and enhancing agricultural efficiency through mechanization.

Developed after extensive community consultation with 224 households, this innovative approach has yielded impressive outcomes. The pilot village's collective income has surged by over 720,000 yuan ($101,250) annually, facilitating infrastructure improvements, while farmers enjoy substantially higher earnings through various channels. Agricultural productivity has also significantly increased, with projected yield increases of 15 percent and a 20 percent reduction in pesticide and fertilizer use.

Under the system, the village's 2,300 mu (153.33 hectares) of farmland is divided into three categories to meet different needs. Farmers who prefer working their own land can use designated "Self-farm Land" where the village provides supporting infrastructure and bulk purchasing services. Those seeking a stable income without farming can lease their plots as "Transfer Land" with guaranteed returns.

Most notably, the "Trust Land" option allows farmers unable to work their land to retain ownership while the village manages it through professional agricultural entities, providing owners with rental income, dividends, and local employment opportunities.

This program emerged as a solution to fragmented land plots that previously hindered local development. By creating this flexible management structure, the initiative has successfully balanced individual farming preferences with the economic benefits of scale operation, demonstrating a sustainable path for rural vitalization. (Edited by Li Weiwei)