In a recent episode of China Education Television's 'National Education News Broadcast' aired on April 30, 2026, China Agricultural University (CAU) took center stage with the theme 'Remembering the Entrustment, Promoting Leapfrog Development of Science and Technology Backyards.' The segment highlighted a symposium held on April 28 at the university to commemorate the third anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important reply to students from CAU's Science and Technology Backyards (STBs), also known as Tech Small Courtyards. This event underscored the program's evolution from a local initiative to a national and international model for agricultural education and innovation.

The Science and Technology Backyards represent an innovative higher education approach where graduate students reside in rural villages, collaborating directly with farmers to apply cutting-edge agricultural science. Launched by CAU in 2009 in Quzhou County, Hebei Province, the model integrates teaching, research, and extension services, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical farming needs. Over the years, it has grown exponentially, demonstrating the power of hands-on, problem-solving education in China's agricultural universities.

Origins and Evolution of CAU's Science and Technology Backyards

The STB model originated in 2009 when CAU professor Zhang Fusuo and his team established the first backyard in Baizhai Village, Quzhou County. Facing challenges like low grain yields and inefficient nutrient use, the team sent graduate students to live with farmers year-round, providing 'zero-threshold, zero-distance, zero-cost, zero-time-difference' services. This 'four-zero' principle ensured technologies were tailored to local conditions.

Early results were transformative. From 2009 to 2014, Quzhou's grain yield reached 79.6% of experimental levels, total production increased by 37%, nutrient efficiency rose over 20%, and farmer incomes grew 79%. Quzhou became a national grain production leader, validating the model's efficacy. By 2026, CAU has built 233 STBs across 30 provinces and 155 counties in China, plus 8 overseas in 5 countries, covering 8 professional degree categories and 20 first-level disciplines.

Nationally, nearly 300 training units have established over 5,000 STBs, involving more than 10,000 experts and 22,000 graduate students. The program has been endorsed in China's Central Document No. 1 for 2024 and 2025, signaling its role in national agricultural strategy.

Xi Jinping's Guiding Letter and Its Lasting Impact

On May 3, 2023, ahead of Youth Day, Xi Jinping replied to CAU STB students, praising their fieldwork in rural revitalization. He urged them to 'root deep love for agriculture, master skills for prosperity, and achieve on the grand stage of rural revitalization.' Emphasizing 'seek hardship voluntarily,' he called for blending classroom learning with village practice to contribute to agricultural modernization.

At the April 28, 2026 symposium, CAU Party Secretary Zhong Denghua stressed integrating the letter's spirit into all aspects of education. Principal Chen Wei noted the program's expansion under this guidance. Zhang Fusuo delivered a report on responding to the call, outlining progression: 1.0 for poverty alleviation, 2.0 for industry, 3.0 for revitalization, and now 4.0 for ecological civilization and global outreach.

Xi's full letter continues to inspire, with students like Hao Jiaxuan sharing how it fueled their commitment during the event.

The Educational Model: Training Tomorrow's Agricultural Leaders

STBs exemplify experiential learning in Chinese higher education. Graduate students, supervised by faculty, tackle real-world problems like soil health, pest control, and sustainable farming. This 'production platform to frontline' approach fosters interdisciplinary skills across agronomy, engineering, and management.

CAU's 18 graduate units use STBs for professional degrees, earning the 2022 National Teaching Achievement Special Prize. Students gain practical expertise, with alumni like Ye Songlin achieving 'green half-ton grain' in low-yield fields. The 'party building + ideology + STB' mode ensures political education aligns with tech training.

Teachers like Zhang Yingjun from the College of Grassland Science highlight party-led development in Hulunbuir Grassland STB, while Yang Minli from Engineering College discusses Sino-Brazil STB promoting Chinese machinery exports.

Research Breakthroughs and Technology Transfer Successes

STBs accelerate innovation. CAU's network has produced practical technologies, from precision fertilization boosting yields to green pest management reducing chemical use. In Quzhou, integrated practices closed yield gaps, proving scalable impact.

Recent initiatives include the 'STB Serving New Agricultural Entities' action, targeting 500 entities by 2028 for yield boosts. Collaborations with Pinduoduo and supply co-ops like Anhui Huilong exemplify industry ties. Overseas, STBs in Malawi and Zambia train locals, increasing yields up to fourfold in pilots.

CAU's 4.0 announcement emphasizes ecological accounting to convince farmers of green benefits.

Transforming Rural China: Tangible Impacts on Farmers and Communities

STBs deliver measurable gains. Nationwide, they support rural revitalization by linking universities to villages. In Inner Mongolia's Sunite Right Banner, STBs empowered camel industry growth. Gansu Agricultural University's STBs focus on high-quality development.

Farmers benefit from free tech, training, and demos, adopting practices like nutrient optimization for 20-30% efficiency gains. Programs like 'graduation works' sales via Pinduoduo turn student innovations into market successes.

Global Reach: Exporting the STB Model

CAU's 'going global' initiative has STBs in Brazil, Tanzania, Malawi, Thailand, Kazakhstan. These adapt the model for Global South smallholders, fostering technology transfer and talent training. In Malawi, first African STBs since 2019 yield significant gains, proving replicability.

Plans for a 'Global STB Center' aim to systematize experiences, contributing Chinese wisdom to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Entering the 4.0 Era: Challenges and Innovations

The 4.0 era shifts to ecological consciousness and global leadership. Challenges include farmer buy-in for green tech and scaling amid urbanization. Solutions: digital tools, policy support, and 'four-zero' enhancements.

CAU's '8+2 Action Plan (2026-2030)' integrates STBs into high-quality development, aligning with '15th Five-Year Plan'.

Photo by ShengChi Zhang on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook

Leaders like Zhong Denghua envision STBs as agriculture powerhouse pillars. Students pledge lifelong service; farmers praise accessible expertise. Zhang Fusuo calls for sustained 'self-imposed hardship'.

With national backing, STBs will drive new productivity forces, talent cultivation, and rural prosperity, exemplifying Chinese higher education's rural commitment. As Xi urged, they build merit on revitalization's stage.

• CAU's 233 STBs exemplify scalable innovation.
• National 5,000+ STBs amplify impact.
• Global expansion shares Chinese model.