Working with the people to create lasting change

In April 1998, 58-year-old Zhao Hualu arrived in Jitun in Huixian county, Henan province to serve as the township's Party secretary. He has been working there ever since.

At the time, the annual per capita income in Jitun was slightly above 1,000 yuan－less than $200－and most of the farmers were living hand-to-mouth.

To raise incomes, Zhao encouraged the farmers to grow mushrooms in greenhouses. Scared of losing money, nobody wanted to try something new at first.