96: Chapter 96 Leveraging External Resources to Boost Agriculture

He paused for a moment and continued, "I promise everyone here: First, the township will build a production-sales matching platform as soon as possible to open up sales channels; second, we will coordinate with the Credit Cooperative to lower loan interest rates; third, we will organize regular technical training..."

Speaking with emotion, Li Dakang's voice grew even louder, "We must build the breeding industry into a shining calling card for Guantian Township! Not only do we want to help everyone increase their income and achieve prosperity, but we must also realize green development, turning lush mountains and clear waters into mountains of gold and silver!"

These resounding words made everyone present burst into applause.

The breeders' faces glowed with excitement as they whispered to each other, "Secretary Li has spoken to our hearts!"

"Now we have something to look forward to!"

The meeting room was filled with the enthusiasm for work and entrepreneurship, as if they could already see the dawn of a better life.

After the symposium ended, Li Dakang did not leave immediately; he decided to visit a few breeder households to see their living and breeding conditions in person.

At each household, he asked patiently and listened carefully, encouraging them to maintain confidence, overcome difficulties, and make the breeding industry bigger and stronger.

When night fell, Li Dakang finished his day of research and returned to the Township Government.

Although his body was a bit tired, his heart was full of strength and hope.

Every visit with feet touching the soil, every heartfelt conversation, reminded Li Dakang of the responsibility on his shoulders and made his determination to lead the masses out of poverty and toward prosperity even firmer.

The morning sun shone through the window into the office, where Li Dakang was hunched over his desk, studying the latest issue of the Jiang Province Daily.

In this era of relatively closed information, newspapers were the main channel for people to obtain outside information, especially official authoritative newspapers like the Jiang Province Daily, which were essential reading on the desk of every official in Jiang Province.

It was like an important window to the outside world, carrying the policy trends of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, while comprehensively reflecting the actual conditions and development dynamics of the whole province; for local administrators like Li Dakang, it was an indispensable reference for decision-making.

Suddenly, a special report titled "Accelerate the Construction of the 'Vegetable Basket' Project to Ensure the Supply of Important Agricultural Products" caught Li Dakang's attention.

He immediately adjusted his posture and studied it word for word with full concentration.

The report deeply analyzed the grim situation facing agricultural product supply in Jiang Province: rapid urbanization had led to a sharp decrease in arable land resources, traditional agricultural production efficiency was low, the supply of daily necessities such as vegetables and meat was becoming increasingly tight, and it might even affect social stability.

The article particularly emphasized that it was necessary to innovate ideas and take multiple measures to promote the construction of the "Vegetable Basket" project to ensure people's livelihood needs.

After reading the full text, Li Dakang gently put down the newspaper, his eyes flashing with the light of contemplation.

He recalled the scene during his research in Shixi Village, where piles of livestock manure were simply buried and disposed of.

At that time, he keenly realized that if these nutrient-rich organic fertilizers could be reasonably utilized, they would surely create huge value.

A concept of organically combining the breeding industry with the planting industry to create circular agriculture gradually took shape in his mind.

"This is truly the right time, the right place, and the right people!" Li Dakang couldn't help but exclaim softly.

This report in the Jiang Province Daily coincided with his previous concept, and even more, it showed him support at the policy level.

If he could take advantage of this favorable wind to build a modern Vegetable Base in Guantian Township, he could not only turn livestock manure into treasure and respond to the call of his superiors, but also open up new ways for the local masses to become prosperous.

Thinking of this, Li Dakang immediately picked up his pen and quickly outlined the framework of the implementation plan in his notebook, determined to implement this "three-birds-with-one-stone" project as soon as possible.

A moment later, Li Dakang dialed the phone number of Guo Mingxian's home.

The call connected, and Guo Mingxian's hearty voice came through the receiver: "Dakang, did the sun rise from the west today? Why did you think of calling this old man?"

His tone revealed an unconcealable joy.

Li Dakang's mouth corners rose unconsciously: "Grandpa Guo, what are you saying? It's just that I encountered a difficult problem and thought of you the first moment."

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "It's like this, I intend to build a modern Vegetable Base in Guantian Township, but I have encountered a bottleneck in variety selection and planting technology, and I would like to ask you to help introduce a few agricultural experts."

"Hahaha!"

Guo Mingxian's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone.

"You kid certainly knows how to pick your timing! The Provincial Agricultural University happens to be promoting new vegetable planting techniques recently."

"Leave this matter to me; I will call Old Zhang right now and have him send a few experts over."

The "Old Zhang" Guo Mingxian mentioned was the current president of Jiang Province Agricultural University.

Although he had retired, as the former director of the Provincial Agriculture Department, Guo Mingxian's influence in the provincial agricultural system was still significant.

Moreover, President Zhang of Jiang Province Agricultural University had also worked in the Agriculture Department before; when Guo Mingxian was the director, the other party was the deputy director, so the two were old colleagues with a quite harmonious relationship.

Hearing this, Li Dakang felt relieved: "Grandpa Guo, thank you so much. After this busy period is over, I will definitely go to Mingzhou to have a few drinks with you."