HANGZHOU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- East China's Zhejiang Province has awarded the highest professional title in the field of agriculture to four professional farmers for the first time.
The four farmers were awarded senior titles in agriculture. These titles were previously only awarded to researchers, technicians, and professors in agriculture-related research institutes, universities, and government-sponsored institutions, according to the provincial agriculture and rural affairs department.
Zhejiang allowed farmers to apply for this title for the first time in March.
"We are writing our research papers on the farmlands," said Ma Yaping, one of the four, who has worked in the tea industry for more than 40 years. "I have devoted my life to the tea industry, and the award is encouraging."
"I am so happy that I got the title. When applying for research projects in the future, we will be able to compete on an equal footing with those from research institutes and universities," said Bo Yongming, who was awarded the senior agro-technician title. Enditem
