SHENYANG -- Northeast China's Liaoning province has released a draft measure to establish professional titles for new-type professional farmers, in a bid to cultivate a high-quality agricultural talent pool and enhance rural development.

Eligible farmers must possess a household registration in rural areas of the province and possess practical skills in planting, breeding, or rural services. They should serve as role models and rely on agriculture as their main source of income, according to the provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs.

The professional titles include four levels: junior, intermediate, associate senior, and senior. Evaluation covers specialties such as agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, and agricultural machinery.

Farmers obtaining these titles will receive benefits like priority in hiring for rural service positions. They will also get preferential access to new technology training and pilot projects for innovative agricultural practices.