Chapter 96: Symposium

Developing agriculture requires huge investment, but returns are slow, and the increase in GDP is minimal—even if grain yield per mu increases by a hundred jin, at current prices, that's only twenty yuan or so per mu, which is far too little.

Even if all the county's tens of thousands of mu of farmland increased yield by an average of a hundred jin per mu, how much additional GDP would that generate? Just the output of a few factories—but achieving such an average increase is no easy feat; the investment required would be enormous, and county leaders know how to do the math.

Thus, agriculture has gradually been marginalized; every county leader wants to generate more GDP and achieve more political accomplishments so they can be promoted.

Sometimes Zhang Kaishan wondered: GDP is certainly important, but how should it be obtained? In Shangjun County, a place with little industrial foundation, isn't there a better path to develop the economy?

Unfortunately, Zhang Kaishan's opinions were not taken seriously, and his desire to vigorously develop agriculture was ignored.

Now, finally, he saw hope for agricultural development in Meng Hu Ling—the poorest township in the county—and glimpsed the possibility of agricultural industrialization; how could he not feel comforted?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but cast an approving glance at Su Xinghui—everything was brought about by this young man; Su Xinghui's thinking was clear, his action strong, and it was precisely his boldness that, in less than two months, had carved out a path to prosperity for Meng Hu Ling.

Everyone saw Zhang Kaishan's gaze and recognized his admiration for the young man; each held their own thoughts—some delighted, some relieved, some confused, some uneasy.

Only Su Xinghui himself remained unmoved by praise or blame.

Zhang Kaishan turned to Chen Hongfu and said, "Comrade Hongfu, let's return to the township government."

Fang Youcai hurriedly said, "County Chief Zhang, you must stay for lunch with us in Ye Zhugou!"

Zhang Kaishan laughed and said, "Comrade Fang Zhishu, not today—but when you're truly prosperous, I will come back here and eat a meal with you!"

Back at the township government, Zhang Kaishan asked the canteen to prepare a simple work meal; to save time, Chen Hongfu instructed Huang Sao to boil a pot of noodles, cracked in some fried eggs, added shredded meat, and sprinkled scallions—delicious beyond measure.