Farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China, have recently celebrated a significant milestone. The cost of irrigating their land has decreased by 20 percent, and the frequency of pump malfunctions has plummeted. This transformative change is thanks to the efforts of Shi Weidong, a local political advisor and expert in fluid machinery.
Shi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, identified the challenges faced by farmers in managing irrigation systems. In 2023, he submitted a proposal to the CPPCC advocating for the implementation of a “digital twin” platform—a virtual model of physical systems—to enhance the precision and efficiency of water pump management.
His proposal resonated with a nationwide initiative to modernize water conservancy infrastructure. That same year, China embarked on constructing 23,000 new water supply facilities in rural areas as part of this ambitious effort.
“The adoption of digital twin technology has revolutionized our irrigation practices,” said a farmer from Yinjiayuan. “We are saving money and time, and our equipment is more reliable than ever.”
Shi’s recommendation not only brought tangible benefits to local farmers but also underscored the vital role of the CPPCC as a platform for consultative democracy. For 75 years, the CPPCC has been instrumental in facilitating in-depth consultations, allowing experts like Shi to contribute their insights to national policymaking.
The success in Yinjiayuan is a testament to the effectiveness of the CPPCC’s consultative processes. By bridging the gap between the government and the people, the CPPCC continues to play a crucial role in shaping policies that directly impact communities across China.
As the CPPCC celebrates its 75th anniversary, stories like Shi’s highlight the enduring importance of collaborative dialogue and the positive changes that can result when expertise meets opportunity.
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75 years on, China's CPPCC keeps facilitating in-depth consultations
cgtn.com
