Huazhong Agricultural University in central China's Wuhan City has called on its teachers and students to join in spring ploughing in their respective localities, as the varsity's spring semester has been delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a proposal posted on its official WeChat account, the university encouraged its teachers and students to contact local farmers in their localities and learn about and serve agricultural production while protecting themselves well from the virus.

The proposal calls for actively helping farmers, especially the underprivileged ones, exploring ways to increase agriculture yield and income through technology, discovering technical and scientific problems, and summarizing the valuable experience.

Capitalizing on their scientific and technological knowledge about agriculture production, teachers and students can provide high-quality guidance for the farmers and popularize them via new media platforms.

The proposal has received a positive response. In the comment section below the proposal, many WeChat users claiming to be varsity students or alumni said they have responded to the call and started aiding agricultural production in their hometowns across Hubei Province and in other Chinese regions.

A commentator even advised the university to build a communication group to discuss problems encountered in agricultural production and solicit solutions.

"Spring ploughing does not await people," commented a WeChat user named Chen. "This proposal is very unique and insightful."

"Knowledge and action should go hand in hand. Apply what you have learned and turn theories into practice. Come on, everybody!" said another WeChat user named Liang Zhaoji.

(Cover image: A spring field in Huanggang, Hubei Province. /VCG)