Yuan Xuegen, a farmer from Sheqi, Henan: Learned a craft at sixty and returned home, never forgetting his neighbors on the road to prosperity

Yuan Xuegen, a villager of Yaozhuang Village, Xinglong Town, Sheqi County, has recently become a much-told story for dozens of li around for his grape-growing achievements

As the saying goes: people over forty do not learn a craft. Yuan Xuegen did not believe in this. Though approaching sixty, Yuan Xuegen, in order to change his hometown's situation and change the traditional agricultural planting model, went alone to work in Shouguang, Shandong Province. While working, he also devoted himself to learning grape-growing techniques. Through two years of study, he mastered a variety of grape-growing and cultivation techniques.

After returning home, after three years of trials, he planted 10 mu of Summer Black and Shine Muscat grapes, choosing these two high-quality grape varieties, large in size and good in taste, which are deeply favored by local people.

The story of Yuan Xuegen and his wife's bountiful grape harvest quickly spread locally. Yuan Xuegen said: he planted these two high-quality grapes, 3OO plants per mu, with an annual income of more than 20,000 yuan per mu; just the two of them, husband and wife, earn more than 200,000 yuan a year.

Under his leadership, 9 farming households in the village have already begun growing grapes. He provides guidance and techniques free of charge, and they have all achieved good returns.

This year's grapes are at the peak of ripening and harvest season, and people from dozens of li around come to pick them. The couple feel they can do something good for their hometown, and feel immensely gratified and proud.