"Rice flower fish, that's a good idea. It doesn't hinder grain production for the country, and it can help the villagers get rich,"
"Little Chen, oh Little Chen, you've truly given me a big surprise."
Liu Fuchun was so excited that his whole body trembled slightly. He tightly grasped Chen Yang's hand.
If the rice flower fish could be popularized, it would undoubtedly be a major innovation to increase farmers' income across the land.
Looking at the excited Liu Fuchun, Chen Yang felt a bit proud. This rice flower fish was a major gimmick for new rural construction in later generations.
In fact, the idea was quite good and did increase the income of many farmers.
However, with the widespread promotion of pesticides and fertilizers in later generations, this rice flower fish project could no longer continue. Once fertilizers and pesticides were applied, the fish would all belly up.
But in this era, most production teams competed for fertilizers, and their use was not as extensive as in later generations.
Fertilizer was scarce in those days. Those who couldn't use chemical fertilizers relied on farm manure. Especially after the Household Responsibility System, many naughty kids who urinated outside would get beaten up when they returned home.
Adults, as long as they weren't having diarrhea, would hold it in and go back to their own manure pits to relieve themselves. The reason was that fertilizer was too scarce and too expensive to afford.
If they really couldn't hold it, they would squat in their own fields to relieve themselves, ensuring that the fertilizer wouldn't benefit outsiders.
Therefore, there was still room for rice flower fish to survive. If it was done well, it could indeed significantly increase farmers' income.
"Director Liu, please don't get so excited."
"Rice flower fish has its requirements. It needs paddy fields with sufficient water sources from nearby rivers. The ditches need to be dug deeper; too shallow and the fish won't survive. But they can't be too deep either, or the rice roots might rot, affecting the yield of the rice."
"Pesticides and fertilizers must not be used. This is the most crucial point. If you use any, the fish fry will be wasted."
Chen Yang wasn't deliberately pouring cold water on Liu Fuchun. Rice flower fish has a history of thousands of years in China, and there are reasons why it hasn't been widely promoted.
It gained popularity in the 1990s and gradually declined due to various restrictions.
It was fine for a single household not to use pesticides, but water was fluid. If other farmers around used pesticides, and the water flowed in, the fish would be lost.
Maintaining a consistently high water level in the fields was not an easy task. However, if done properly, it would definitely be much better than solely growing rice.
The main issue was that everyone lacked experience in cultivation and breeding. This would require the villagers to explore and learn. It would be even better if the county could assign one or two technicians from the agricultural station.
"Comrade Xiao Chen, you consider everything so thoroughly. Even I, an old man of forty or fifty, haven't thought as much as you. Compared to you, I've lived all these years in vain."
Hearing Chen Yang's words, Liu Fuchun's fleeting excitement immediately subsided.
The idea of rice flower fish was novel, but how to implement it required effort. However, Liu Fuchun understood that if he could handle this matter well, a promotion would be certain.
Once the experience was summarized, the rice flower fish could potentially be popularized not only in Liuhe County and Qinghe City but also throughout the entire Anhui Province. Chen Yang, as the "initiator," was not involved in politics, so this benefit would naturally fall to him, Liu Fuchun!
"Director Liu, you're too kind. Regarding the rice flower fish, I'll need your diligent efforts. Please implore the leaders to assign technicians to our Wanli Commune. Professional matters require professional people."
"Our Anhui Provincial Agricultural School recruited university students last year. Times have changed. If we want to develop, we must value talent. If you have connections, you can also try to find some talent from the agricultural school."
"As long as we can help the villagers of Wanli Commune earn money, have enough to eat, and live better lives, if my help is needed, I will spare no effort."
Chen Yang looked at Liu Fuchun. This commune director was only in his forties, in his prime. If things went well, he might have a chance to govern a region in the future.
Since he had already established a good relationship with him, it would be beneficial to offer some suggestions. The better Liu Fuchun developed in the future, the more likely it was that he could seek his assistance if needed.
Even if Chen Yang didn't need his help in the future, the higher his official position, the more people he could benefit, and Chen Yang's efforts would not be in vain.
"You kid, your words are truly comforting. My own son is not much younger than you, and he's nowhere near your caliber."
"When the leaders come for inspection later, I will report truthfully everything you've said, including the need for technicians. If this project is truly implemented, it will be designated for Shenjia Brigade, in Shenjiaba Village."
"If the results are good, then we'll promote it throughout the commune."
As soon as Liu Fuchun finished speaking, Shen Fuguo's old face broke into a wide smile. If this good fortune fell upon his Shenjia Brigade, the villagers' lives would improve.
"Director, Director Wang from the Aquatic Products Station is leading the leaders to the brigade headquarters. Please hurry out to welcome them."
Just then, Luo Wang, the organization cadre of the commune, rushed out from outside. Actually, they had already heard the sound of the jeep, so he didn't need to say it.
In those days, a four-wheeled car was a rare item. There were only a few in the entire Liuhe County. It was only because Zou Chenguang was a leader of the municipal committee that ordinary heads of municipal-level units couldn't afford a jeep on their own.
"Secretary Chen, Director Zou, welcome, a warm welcome to the leaders for their guidance at Wanli Commune."
As soon as he stepped out, Liu Fuchun's heart gave a sharp jolt.
He had already prepared himself mentally, but he hadn't expected that he had still underestimated Zou Chenguang's influence.
With this person arriving, Secretary Chen himself was accompanying him to Wanli Commune, which showed that Zou Chenguang and Chen Shuibing, the head of Liuhe County, must have a very good relationship.
"Old Liu, there's no need for such formality with me."
"Director Zou is my old squad leader. He came down personally because he heard that your Wanli Commune has been making some progress. You've been making such significant progress without reporting to me. If not for Old Squad Leader coming over, I would still be in the dark."
Chen Shuibing's opening remark was a display of authority. Hearing this, Liu Fuchun broke into a cold sweat.
Although Zou Chenguang was a favored figure among the municipal leaders, he was still a cadre of Liuhe County. Bypassing Secretary Chen like this was indeed a major taboo in official circles.
"Chen Ya Zi, you sly fox, you didn't ask on the road, and now you get off the car and start scaring people."
"This matter is not Comrade Fuchun's fault. The municipal aquatic products company reported to me. I thought the idea was good, so I came down to take a look. I informed you as soon as I arrived, okay? I didn't come to make trouble for you."
Liu Fuchun felt as if he had experienced extreme highs and lows in such a short time. Although he didn't know why Director Zou would speak up for him, he quickly cast a grateful look at Zou Chenguang.
"So that's how it is. Comrade Fuchun, it's good to focus on your work, but you should also report more to your superiors so they can guide you. In the future, once you've finalized the plan, bring it to my office personally."
Hearing Zou Chenguang's words, Chen Shuibing's expression immediately improved. No leader likes to have subordinates acting independently of them.
"Secretary Chen, please rest assured. It was because the idea was not mature that I dared not trouble you. Once I've written the report, I will report it to you immediately."
If Liu Fuchun's back was cold just now, now he was beaming with joy. When a leader asks you to report on your work, it's an implicit sign of their attention, so how could he not be happy!