
Cao Lixin conducts field research alongside a local farmer. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
On Feb 10, the national list of "the most impressive college graduates" was unveiled, featuring Cao Lixin, a graduate of Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU). As one of only nine recipients nationwide and the sole representative from Hubei province, Cao was recognized for his unwavering commitment to rural vitalization.
Since earning his master's degree in 2012, Cao has lived in Zigui county, Yichang, Hubei. Spending nearly 300 days a year in the fields, he has dedicated himself to advancing citrus cultivation. His technical innovations, including advanced sapling ventilation and mulching techniques, now produce approximately one million high-quality trees annually.
During the extreme heat and drought of 2022, his timely development of specialized irrigation systems provided critical relief to struggling local farmers.
A milestone in Cao's career came in 2017, when he collaborated with academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Deng Xiuxin and his team to complete genomic sequencing for "Zongcheng", a native orange variety from Zigui county. Today, cultivation of this premium fruit exceeds 2,000 mu (133 hectares), commanding a market price 20 percent higher than standard navel oranges.
Though years of outdoor labor have weathered his appearance, Cao's resolve remains unshaken. His efforts have contributed to a regional citrus industry in Zigui county now valued at over 20 billion yuan ($2.8 billion), effectively doubling the income of local growers compared to a decade ago.
Cao's journey exemplifies the spirit of modern graduates who leverage their professional expertise to serve people at the grassroots level and drive sustainable agricultural growth.