STORY: Chinese agri-tech benefits people in Sao Tome and Principe
DATELINE: July 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:30
LOCATION: SAO TOME ISLAND, Sao Tome and Principe
CATEGORY: ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of the project at the field
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Portuguese): ADELINO NUNES, Farmer
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XU ZHOUDA, Agricultural expert
4. various of the project at the field
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): JIA JINHONG, Animal husbandry specialist
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Portuguese): JOAO REBELO FERNANDES, Farmer
 
STORYLINE:
 
In Sao Tome and Principe, an island country in Africa, Chinese experts have been working on an agricultural technical support project, bringing tangible benefits to many local people. 
 
Caldeiras Village of Sao Tome Island was designated as the first demonstration village for agricultural development and poverty alleviation in 2021.
 
Since then, all the 79 households in the village have received well-directed technical aids from Chinese experts.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (Portuguese): ADELINO NUNES, Farmer
"Since I received this support, the quality of the vegetables has been improved significantly.
This means I will have a better yield as the pests have been eradicated, and there used to be quite a lot of them."
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XU ZHOUDA, Agricultural expert
"Damage caused by pests and diseases is one of the main factors
affecting the cultivation of vegetables and crops like corn in the country. We adopt comprehensive measures to form a complete pest control mechanism so as to achieve effective control of diseases and pests. This greenhouse over here was built with Chinese assistance. With this greenhouse, they can grow vegetables all year round. We hope that through this, many nearby farmers can come around to learn Chinese agricultural techniques here."
 
Sao Tome and Principe is one of the least developed countries in the world, where locals mainly depend on farming and animal husbandry to make a living. 
 
Advanced techniques from China have helped local farmers gain more profits. 
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): JIA JINHONG, Animal husbandry specialist
"We have designed this elevated wooden double-row henhouse in accordance with the situation of the village. There is a lot of rain here. Local people live in elevated houses. So this kind of elevated henhouse is advantageous in that it's moisture-proof and it prevents insects and diseases."
 
SOUNDBITE 4 (Portuguese): JOAO REBELO FERNANDES, Farmer
"We have benefited from raising the hens, and we've had them for a year and four months now. The production has been very good. These hens have brought significant benefits to our community and agriculture. We have eggs for consumption and sell some to buy feed. We still have many hens to eat at home."
 
China and Sao Tome and Principe resumed diplomatic ties in December 2016. Since then, China has been implementing technical cooperation programs to help the African country develop agriculture and animal husbandry.
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Sao Tome Island, Sao Tome and Principe.
(XHTV)