Imagine a train packed not with tourists, but with farmers clutching rice seedlings and buzzing with excitement. This is the annual ‘rice migration’ in China’s Heilongjiang province, where thousands journey to the Sanjiang Plain each spring to plant the nation’s staple crop. 🌱
In just 20 days, these migrant workers earn over 10,000 yuan ($1,388) – a crucial income boost that supports families year-round. Veteran farmers swap stories with tech-savvy Gen Z planters on special ‘rice trains,’ blending tradition with drones and soil sensors. 📱💡
‘We’re like a moving village,’ says farmer Li Wei, 58, who’s made this trip for 20 years. ‘Young folks teach us apps to track weather; we show them how to spot perfect seedlings.’
This year’s planting comes as global rice demand surges. Every transplanted shoot matters – and so does the human chain behind your sushi rolls and stir-fries. 🍚✨
Reference(s):
BizFocus Ep.127 From rails to rows: Migrant farmers' spring journey
cgtn.com