Microorganisms in the fermented bed decompose and absorb pig waste into organic fertilizer, providing essential nutrients for the soil, which not only saves water, feed and labor but also minimizes odor and waste.

She dedicated herself to studying and improving the technique, developing a version that suited local farming conditions, and obtaining a patent.

Her success didn't stop there. Because groundwater is interconnected, she knew that if only her household avoided using chemicals while her neighbors continued to do so, her efforts would be in vain. Therefore, she tirelessly persuaded other villagers to adopt the organic method.

"At first, convincing villagers to raise pigs in eco-friendly ways was incredibly difficult. When I told them that raising pigs wouldn't smell bad and wouldn't require cleaning up manure, they thought I was talking nonsense. So I traveled around the country and gave talks. Now, I have hundreds of trainees following my method in more than 20 provinces," Li says.

Having proven the advantages by her example and expanding her influence, the Guojia villagers gradually transitioned to sustainable pig farming.

"Our village has undergone a tremendous transformation. Over the past few years, 30 to 40 young people have returned. The villagers are highly engaged in sustainable agriculture," Li says.

Deng Zhihui, Party secretary of Yangtian village in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, is equally concerned about the imbalanced age demographics in rural areas.

Deng initially worked as the village doctor for more than 20 years. In 2021, he was elected as an official by the villagers out of trust and support.

He has been working to improve the villagers' well-being, including setting up a community canteen for the elderly, ensuring that the 21 elderly villagers living alone need not worry about daily meals. The village also set up a center for 36 left-behind children, with employees providing care and companionship during weekends and holidays.

"There is a saying, 'Who would leave their hometown if not for the burden of life?' As the village secretary, my greatest responsibility is to create an environment more conducive to young people, so they will return to the village," Deng says.