NPC deputy: Rural areas and agriculture hold great potential for youth

Rural areas and agriculture are fields brimming with opportunities for young people, said Zhao Zhao, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and general manager of Nanyang Yamin Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd.

She made the remarks during a group interview at the third session of the 14th NPC on Tuesday.

Born in 1984, Zhao left her city job in 2008 to return to her hometown in Nanyang City, central China, where she began raising 50 cattle. Today, her company manages a herd of over 4,000 cattle.

"This decision wasn't made impulsively," Zhao explained, noting that her choice was inspired by the stark contrast between urban and rural areas she observed during her travels between the city and her hometown.

"The goal of our generation of college-educated youth should not be to leave our underdeveloped hometowns behind, but to return and transform their backwardness," Zhao emphasized.

She stressed that rural areas and agriculture are in dire need of young talent. Reflecting on her personal journey – from remote mountains to the Great Hall of the People – Zhao expressed her commitment to making the countryside a beautiful homeland, turning agriculture into a thriving industry, and elevating farming into an attractive and respected profession.

"These are the most sincere goals of my duties," she added.