Guizhou NPC deputy committed to modernizing mountain agriculture

Li Shiyao (L) instructs farmers in strawberry cultivation. [Photo/ddcpc website]

Li Shiyao, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and director of Liupanshui Shanhaiyuan Planting Farmers' Cooperative in Southwest China's Guizhou province, has anchored his service in the soil.

Over the past year, Li has utilized his agricultural expertise to spread farming technologies across rural communities, guiding locals in the development of modern, efficient mountain agriculture with distinctive local advantages.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Guizhou developed and upgraded agricultural machinery tailored for its hilly terrain. Factory seedling cultivation, drone-assisted transport, and smart farming have reshaped mountain agriculture, while agricultural social services have connected smallholders with modern practices.

The comprehensive mechanization rate for major crops has now reached 58 percent. "Agricultural science is transforming this land," Li said.

Agricultural modernization remains Li's core focus. Last year, he submitted nine suggestions — including support for agricultural mechanization in hilly areas and enhanced technical aid for Guizhou's specialty farming — all receiving responses from relevant departments. This year, he plans to address the "last-kilometer" delivery of agricultural technologies and brand-building for local farm products.

He advocates for further improvements in rural infrastructure and multi-stakeholder collaboration involving government, industry, academia, research, and end-users. This would establish an end-to-end agricultural technology extension system, truly bridging the "last-kilometer" gap. Additionally, he urges accelerated development of rural logistics networks to secure fair returns for quality products and refine the province's distinctive mountain agriculture.