Every spring, thousands of farmers from China’s Heilongjiang province embark on a remarkable journey. Boarding a special train, they travel across vast landscapes to the fertile Sanjiang Plain, ready to participate in the annual rice planting season.
For these farmers, the 20-day expedition is more than just work—it’s a lifeline. Earning over 10,000 yuan (about $1,388) in less than a month provides a significant boost to their annual income, supporting their families and communities.
Onboard the train, a unique camaraderie blossoms between veteran farmers and young, tech-savvy planters. The seasoned hands share decades of wisdom, while the younger generation brings fresh perspectives and new agricultural technologies to the fields.
“We’re all here with the same goal—to feed our nation,” says Wang Wei, a farmer with over 30 years of experience. “Each seedling we plant is a step towards a bountiful harvest that will nourish people across the country.”
The Sanjiang Plain, known for its rich black soil, is one of China’s most important grain production bases. The collective efforts of these migrant farmers play a critical role in ensuring food security for the nation.
As the train reaches its destination, the farmers step off, ready to turn the vast fields into a sea of green. With determination and unity, they work tirelessly, planting seedlings that will grow into the rice that feeds millions.
Their journey is a testament to hard work, tradition, and the unyielding spirit of those who cultivate the land—a story of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact, one seedling at a time.
