Era: I was a farmer at the foot of Yaoling Mountain

“Planting winter rapeseed locally is certainly a good choice. Our institute has developed a type of winter rapeseed that can tolerate a low temperature of -35 degrees Celsius.”

However, we haven't been able to solve the problem of salt and alkali resistance, so we've given up on that area. We hope Chairman Fang can overcome this challenge.

The colleagues from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences were very enthusiastic and gave a detailed introduction to the new type of winter rapeseed they had developed.

Fang Wei expressed his gratitude and introduced the research and development progress of crops such as seawater rice and salt-tolerant soybeans.

They agreed to continue their conversation the next day and then continued to drink heartily.

The next day.

Fang Wei saw the seeds of a new type of winter rapeseed. These seeds were larger than ordinary rapeseed seeds and looked more plump.

Technicians explained that the research and development of this winter rapeseed was a long and winding road, and the entire project took seven years to succeed.

"My current research focuses on salt and alkali tolerance, but overwintering and cold resistance are essential conditions for rapeseed. Is it possible for you to license your research to others? I would like to continue my research based on your work."

Accompanied by the vice president of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fang Wei spent a day visiting various places.

Finally, he asked Vice Dean Tang a question: Was there any possibility of cooperation with the other party?
"It is our honor to be able to cooperate with Academician Fang. However, this is not something I can decide on my own. The institute will need to hold a meeting to discuss it later. I will give you an answer whether it will work out or not."

Vice Dean Tang was very polite and said he would submit Fang Wei's idea to the institute for discussion.

Fang Wei said no more and then took his leave.

night.

After eating, he didn't go out; he stayed in his hotel room and calculated the percentage of the licensing fee.

Regarding this project, the licensing fee will most likely be a percentage of future sales revenue. He felt that, referencing his collaboration with Professor Ma and Professor Lin, the percentage could be capped at 30%.

If more than 30% of the time is lost, the cooperation project cannot be implemented.

the next day.

Fang Wei then returned to Xiachu County. The journey of a few hundred kilometers was not very far. He would wait for news from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences before making any decisions.

While he was figuring out how to deal with the winter rapeseed issue, Feng Xiaojiang had already begun collecting seeds of various winter wheat varieties. There are many cold-resistant winter wheat varieties, and quite a few winter wheat varieties with certain salt and alkali tolerance characteristics.

Due to the barrier effect of the Tianshan Mountains, Xiachu County has relatively warm winters, early spring warming, and large diurnal temperature range (which is conducive to the accumulation of dry matter). At the same time, irrigation can ensure water demand.

Therefore, winter wheat is a traditional crop in the local area and surrounding areas, while seawater rice is a new thing.

"Boss, winter wheat has high requirements for field management. If we really want to plant it, we'll probably need to provide technical training for our employees. The company has no experience in planting winter wheat and needs to accumulate experience gradually."

Fang Wei, Feng Xiaojiang, and others have not yet made a choice between winter wheat and winter rapeseed.

Therefore, both crops need to be cultivated before large-scale verification.

Comparatively, winter rapeseed is easier to grow, and it has better cold resistance. If winter wheat suffers from frost damage, the entire harvest is essentially lost.

"Let's put those aside for now and try our best to develop these two varieties. Breeding alone can bring considerable economic benefits."

Fang Wei nodded. Juli Agriculture was starting from scratch, so why not try everything?

Before the Northwest Academy of Agricultural Sciences could reply, he quickly developed a breeding program for salt-tolerant winter wheat.

Just like when he was at Yaoling Agriculture, Fang Wei first proposed the framework and plan for all projects, and then other technical personnel conducted in-depth research.

The advantage of doing this is that the steps are clear and you avoid detours.

The project on salt-tolerant winter wheat was subsequently approved, and under the leadership of Feng Xiaojiang and others, detailed research work began.

A week later.

The Northwest Academy of Agricultural Sciences called, expressing their willingness to engage in long-term technical exchanges with Juli Agriculture, but because their winter wheat has already won several major awards, they are not in a position to authorize the technology to be exported at the moment.

To put it bluntly, they felt there was no need for cooperation.

"I'm sorry, Dean Tang. Let's work together again next time we have the opportunity."

"We also feel regretful. Our new winter wheat involves a wide range of stakeholders, and it's difficult to reconcile the interests of all parties. We hope Academician Fang won't overthink it, and there will definitely be opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Vice Dean Tang still hoped to maintain a good relationship with Fang Wei, so he explained the situation.

When they were conducting their research, they received external support, so there were also interests at play, and it's not surprising that they faced opposition from various parties.

Fang Wei expressed her understanding and then ended the call.

It seems there's no way to take shortcuts, so we'll have to honestly start from scratch and study it properly.

He instructed Feng Xiaojiang to arrange for people to collect various types of winter rapeseed seeds, and to improve their resistance (cold and drought resistance) and salt and alkali tolerance as much as possible during the cultivation process.

Feng Xiaojiang felt that this was destined to be an arduous and long-term task. Without using genetic engineering technology, it would be extremely difficult to concentrate the cold-resistant and salt-tolerant characteristics into one crop.

Hybrid breeding techniques could also be used, but after consideration, Fang Wei decided to use traditional breeding methods.

Time flies.

The weather is gradually getting hotter.

Agricultural production at the company is proceeding normally, and Pan Lianhua suggested going back to her hometown for the Dragon Boat Festival, which would be a good opportunity to stay there for a while.

Fang Wei readily agreed. He had Yang Feng book a flight directly to Shenzhen. "Boss, you mentioned last time you wanted to find an assistant. Now there's a suitable candidate. Would you like to meet him?"

Before leaving, Fang Wei interviewed candidates for assistant, but was not very satisfied with any of them.

He decided to discuss this matter when he returned, and so he left Xiachu County with Pan Lianhua. His older sister didn't leave; she felt that spending the summer in the Northwest was quite nice, at least it wasn't as hot as the South.

The two stayed in Shenzhen for a few days, visiting their daughter's family.

Then I spent a few more days in Guangzhou before returning to the village, just before the Dragon Boat Festival.

Pan Lianhua originally planned to make the zongzi herself, but she was a little short on time, so she decided to go to the supermarket to buy some instead.

"Lotus, you've finally thought of coming back! I've made some zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), you and your third brother can try some."

That very evening, after returning home, Tian Guihua brought over some zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

These zongzi were all handmade by her, so they're definitely tastier than the ones you buy outside.

"Thanks, sister-in-law."

Pan Lianhua didn't stand on ceremony and happily accepted the zongzi.

"Why are we being so polite as family? You and your third brother can come to my room for dinner later. I've already prepared everything."

Tian Guihua put down her things and left; she needed to rush back to cook.

After Fang Wei woke up from her sleep, Pan Lianhua took her to Fang Ping's house. Fang Ping had already brewed hot tea, and Tian Guihua was busy in the kitchen.

Pan Lianhua went to the kitchen to help, while Fang Wei sat down to have tea with her older brother.

"Third brother, I'm so bored all day long. There's usually nothing to do at the commune, so it's basically like I'm just wasting my time."

Fang Ping is also a restless person. He even wants to contract a few acres of land there now, so that his bones won't rust.

"Brother, we're not short of money, and our children are all grown up. Let's enjoy ourselves a bit."

Fang Wei offered a word of advice, as he didn't want his elder brother to have to work so hard at this age.

It's easy for him to do something; he owns his own company. The question is, does he still want to leave his hometown at this age?

“I understand what you’re saying. We have several million in the bank, enough to live on for a lifetime. I’m just venting because I’m bored, don’t take it seriously.”

Fang Ping smiled and shook his head. He knew his personality was a bit stubborn, so he didn't say anything more.

At this moment, Tao Tao walked in from outside and seemed very happy to see Fang Wei.

"Manman, when did you get back? I'll have a few more drinks with you later, and you can tell me all about the Northwest."

Fang Tao is still working on bringing science and technology to rural areas in Xinlin County. Xiaoya and her children often come to visit him, and he also returns to the provincial capital for a while when he has time.

Many people advised him to go back to his workplace and stay there, where he could stay out of the wind and rain, and not have to work so hard all day.

But he just didn't want to stay in the government office. In the past two years, he has achieved at least two good scientific research results and helped many farmers get out of poverty and become rich.

He felt very fulfilled.

"Your aunt and I just got home today, Tao Tao, you're back so late."

Fang Wei chatted with Tao Tao for a few minutes, then Tao Tao went to the kitchen to greet Pan Lianhua before washing up.

The other person now looks exactly like a farmer; they'd be embarrassed to sit at the table without tidying themselves up.

The meal was ready shortly afterward.

Fang Ping took out a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor), and Tao Tao quickly opened the bottle and poured the liquor for everyone.

"You damn fool, all you do is stay in the countryside, don't you care about your wife and kids?"

After a few rounds of drinks, Fang Ping couldn't help but curse at his son.

He tried to persuade the other party several times, but the kid was very stubborn and it was no use.

"Big brother, don't scold him. He's a good kid with ideals. But Tao Tao, it's not good for you to always be separated from your family. What are your plans for the future?"

Fang Wei sighed inwardly. Her nephew was good in every way, but his personality made him prone to being taken advantage of.

He didn't want to say too much, so he brought up Xiaoya and the child.

"Manman, don't ask me about my plans yet. Can you tell me about your situation in Northwest China?"

Fang Tao smiled, not taking his father's words to heart.

However, he did not answer his uncle's question, but instead asked about Juli Agriculture.

"You little rascal! Well then, let me tell you. My main goals right now are to cultivate salt-tolerant crops and comprehensively improve saline-alkali land. Everything I do revolves around these two goals, and things are going quite well so far."

Fang Wei clinked glasses with his elder brother and then calmly explained the current financial situation.

Although Juli Agriculture is still small and weak, its prospects are definitely good, and he is confident that he can achieve these two goals, which would make his life complete. (End of Chapter)