Spring is in full bloom, and all things are reviving. As the weather gradually warms, the planting of hybrid rice has begun in ten pilot counties along the Yellow River. After inspecting the pilot fields in Huayin County, E'fu decided to travel to Mianchi County to check on the local progress.
Mianchi County, located at the confluence of the Yellow River and the Luo River, has abundant water resources and fertile soil, making it one of the key counties in this pilot program.
As soon as the wicked man's carriage arrived outside the county seat of Mianchi, County Magistrate Li Qin personally led the county officials to greet him.
"It is truly an honor for Mianchi County that the Grand Commandant has graced us with his presence!" Li Qin said with a broad smile as he bowed.
The wicked man alighted from his carriage and waved for Li Qin to dispense with formalities: "Magistrate, there's no need for such formalities. My main purpose in coming here is to check on the progress of the pilot fields. Is everything ready?"
Li Qin nodded hurriedly: "Reporting to the Grand Commandant, everything is proceeding according to the instructions of the Agricultural Research Institute. Seedling cultivation is complete, and transplanting began the day before yesterday. If the Grand Commandant has time, he can go to the fields to check."
"Okay, let's go take a look then."
The group quickly arrived at the pilot field along the newly built country road. In the distance, hundreds of farmers could be seen busy in the fields; some were carrying water, some were fertilizing, and others were transplanting rice seedlings using new transplanting tools under the guidance of technicians. The whole scene was orderly and full of vitality.
"It seems things are progressing well." The wicked man nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the accompanying technical director of the agricultural research institute, "Mr. Chen, tell me more about the situation here."
Mr. Chen is Tao Rang's prized disciple, and he was specially sent here to oversee the planting matters in Mianchi County.
He respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to the Grand Commandant, Mianchi County is extremely suitable for rice cultivation. The land is rich in water and fertile soil, and the villagers are very willing to help."
"The rice seedlings are growing very well, with no worries about pests." He then pointed to the field and said, "Transplanting is underway now, and we should be able to complete the work on this thousand acres within three days."
The wicked man looked in the direction the man was pointing and saw farmers skillfully using the newly made rice-planting tools. Rows of neat rice seedlings were being planted in the mud, creating a rather spectacular sight.
"Are the villagers used to these new utensils?" the wicked man asked.
Mr. Chen replied, "At first, there were many inconveniences, but after a few lessons, most people were able to use it proficiently."
"This device is indeed much faster than the old method, and the villagers quickly discovered its convenience."
The wicked man nodded, then walked into the field and began talking with several farmers who were working there.
"Old man, how is this new tool?" the wicked husband asked a gray-haired old farmer with a friendly smile.
The old farmer didn't recognize the man in plain clothes before him as the infamous, wicked Grand Commandant. Thinking he was just an official on inspection, he spoke frankly: "At first, it wasn't very smooth; it felt awkward. But after half a day, I got the hang of it. It's definitely much faster than the old method. One person can do the work of three or four, and my back doesn't hurt as much anymore."
"What do you think of this new rice variety?" the wicked husband asked again.
The old farmer cautiously said, "That depends on the autumn harvest. The government says the yield can double; if that's true, it would be fantastic news. But I've farmed all my life and know that farmers are most afraid of boasting; everything depends on the will of Heaven."
The wicked man was pleased with the old farmer's honest response and nodded, saying, "Well said! Farming really can't be done just by talking. However, this rice seed has indeed been carefully selected. As long as we plant it according to the methods, we should have a good harvest."
After bidding farewell to the farmers, the wicked man went to inspect the irrigation system. According to the plan, the pilot fields in Mianchi County adopted an improved three-stage irrigation system, which could more effectively control water volume.
"This system was built entirely according to your design," Li Qin said, pointing to the crisscrossing irrigation canals. "The main canal draws water directly from the Luo River, with three sluice gates controlling the water flow. Branch canals are distributed throughout the various areas, while secondary canals lead directly to each field. We also designed a drainage system to prevent flooding during heavy rains."
The wicked man carefully examined the structure of the canal and the design of the sluice gates, and expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the system.
"The drainage system is especially important," the wicked man emphasized. "Although rice thrives in water, flooding can cause it immense damage. It is crucial to ensure proper drainage, especially during the rainy season."
Li Qin nodded quickly: "Grand Commandant, rest assured, we have already set up a special water conservancy team to inspect the channels daily and ensure there are no blockages."
Subsequently, the wicked man inspected the fertilizer processing plant. Following the formula from the Agricultural Research Institute, a specialized fertilizer processing plant was established locally, where human excrement, wood ash, decaying plant matter, and livestock bone meal were mixed in specific proportions to produce compound fertilizer suitable for hybrid rice growth.
"How effective is this fertilizer?" the wicked husband asked the technician in charge of fertilizer processing.
The technician replied, "Very good. We used this fertilizer during the seedling stage, and the seedlings grew significantly better than those using ordinary fertilizer, with greener leaves and thicker stems. However, as you said, the dosage needs to be carefully controlled; too much will burn the seedlings."
The wicked man nodded in satisfaction, then asked Li Qin about the enthusiasm of the local farmers.
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