Students from 18 countries at Shanghai Ocean University recently went on a fact-finding excursion to Shanghai's Chongming district.

They went there for an event of social practice and cultural experience, which was themed "Integrated Rice-Fish Farming for Rural Vitalization and Sustainable Development".

The international students pose for a group photo. [Photo/Shanghai Ocean University]

The students visited Mu Yu Farm in Dadong village in Xuxin town and the Yuhaitang scenic area in Xin'an, Sanxing town.

Mu Yu Farm has achieved pesticide-free and chemical-free rice cultivation through an integrated rice-fish and rice-shrimp cohabitation system. In this system, fish and shrimp consume the weeds and insects in the rice fields, while their excrement provides essential nutrients for the rice.

Xin'an village is a prime example of rural vitalization in Shanghai through the integration of rural sightseeing, cultural appreciation, ecosystem leisure activities, and scientific research and innovation.

A view of a rice field in Mu Yu Farm. [Photo/Shanghai Ocean University]

Cameroonian student Mane Sany Anicet Philippe described the visit as eye-opening, highlighting Shanghai's very special eco-friendly agricultural model. The model is not only environmentally friendly but also boosts farmers' incomes and is worth emulating, the visitor observed.

As the world's earliest practitioner of rice-fish farming, China has practiced this method for over 2,000 years.

The model has received high recognition from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and is being promoted globally.

Since 2018, Shanghai Ocean University and FAO have been conducting international conferences and training in integrated rice-fish farming.

Source: Shanghai Ocean University