On October 16th, the Ningxia Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced the implementation of a new talent cultivation program aimed at developing skilled technical personnel in the agricultural sector. This initiative emphasizes political guidance, mentorship, project leadership, and robust training to build a vibrant, adequately staffed, and well-structured team of agricultural professionals. The goal is to support the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas.
So far, the initiative has established 89 mentorship teams, with each new staff member paired with a mentor to provide targeted guidance. The program breaks down barriers related to industry, organization, job position, and professional title. It incorporates a dynamic management approach, utilizing a system of mutual selection and voluntary pairing. Mentors include chief experts, deputy chief experts, and outstanding mid-level professionals who provide direct, hands-on support to younger and newly employed technical personnel.
Each mentorship team is tasked with conducting practical mentoring activities annually, organizing a high-level training session, hosting an academic seminar or discussion, developing a technical model, and publishing a high-quality paper, collectively referred to as the “Five Tasks” of mentorship.
In terms of project leadership, Ningxia plans to give younger technical personnel significant responsibilities early on, encouraging innovation and readiness to tackle major projects and important research topics. The program also promotes the submission of proposals for various scientific research initiatives and major technical demonstration projects. By facilitating recommendations and project competitions, opportunities will be created for these professionals to lead smaller-scale projects.
Additionally, the Ningxia Department of Agriculture will actively introduce and develop high-quality training courses tailored to the specific needs of technical personnel. Regular workshops that focus on practical skills and job relevance will be conducted, featuring renowned experts for specialized lectures. There is also an exploration of an “order-based” training model, collaborating with agricultural universities and research institutions to develop relevant training programs. Lastly, the initiative encourages professionals to gain experience in grassroots organizations, local governments, and agricultural enterprises to broaden their perspectives and enhance their practical skills.
