Luo Yu operates a rice transplanter in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. Luo Yu, born in 1997, graduated with a degree in nursing, but has now become a capable "new farmer" who embraces advanced technology and incorporates innovative ideas and skills to farming.
Luo and her husband used to run a homestay in southeast China's Fujian Province four years ago. The couple decided to close the homestay and returned to their hometown in central China's Hunan to ease the burden of Luo's father, who was taking care of more than 3,000 mu (about 200 hectares) of farmland.
Starting from scratch, Luo learned to operate agricultural machinery and bought gears and tool suited to local terrain. The couple consolidated scattered plots and upgraded them into high-standard farmland. Luo also inaugurated a team to provide full-cycle farming services for farmers in the neighborhood.
Cultivated lands under their watch totaled 4,442.28 mu (about 296.15 hectares) last year, where more than 200 local households found employment there.
Luo still seeks further development via new media, and plans to launch her own brand. "I hope more young people will be willing to become 'new farmers' and make a difference with their vigor and wisdom," she said. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu (R) explains the operation of an agricultural machine to a local farmer in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu checks the conditions of saplings inside a greenhouse in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu (L) gestures during short-video shooting in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu checks the conditions of agriculture machines in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu poses for a photo inside a greenhouse in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu poses for a photo in a field in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu walks in fields in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu operates a drone in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Luo Yu and her husband load seedlings in a rice transplanter in Huatang Town in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, on April 9, 2026. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
