While most people over 80 are willing to enjoy life after retirement (退休), Zhao Yafu, an agricultural (农业的) researcher in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, likes to spend most of the year working in the fields better.
Born in 1941, Zhao's childhood dream was to become a reporter. When he was in college, Zhao saw how hard lives were in the countryside, so he decided to do something to help.
But when Zhao began his plan with classes on agricultural science in a primary school, only two farmers appeared and looked at him suspiciously (怀疑地). "That only showed what I was doing was necessary," Zhao said. "The villagers needed someone to help them change their minds and embrace (欣然接受) new techniques (技术)."
Zhao kept on asking the farmer to use the new techniques he taught and to plant a new kind of rice. He also asked them to turn to other crops such as strawberries and grapes to help them make more money. As time went by, more new houses and roads were built in the village, and the villagers began to understand that all Zhao really wanted was to help them.
In his 60 years in Zhenjiang, Zhao has helped over 160, 000 farmers shake off poverty (贫穷). He and his team are also active in Western China. Since 2013, they have helped farmers in Western China earn (赚得) nearly 30 billion yuan.
"I saw how poor the villagers used to be, and I also see how they have been changed over the years. I will continue with my work if my health permits (允许)," said Zhao.
