Ni Zhonghui, in charge of Qidong Zhonghui Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative, was granted the honor of national role model worker. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

A convention for commending national role model workers and advanced workers was held in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov 24. Ni Zhonghui, in charge of the Qidong Zhonghui Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative, was granted the title of national role model worker.

Ni, a farmer from Wangbao town in Qidong, a county-level city administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province, had previously won the honorary titles of Nantong role model worker and Jiangsu role model worker.

In 2000, Ni, who was originally engaged in the clothing business in Beijing, returned to his hometown of Qidong and began planting "three treasures of Wangbao" – Chinese yam, taro and fragrant taro.

In recent years, Ni has transferred nearly 13 hectares of land in Miaoqiao village, and absorbed more than 20 surplus laborers for employment. Under his guidance, more than 100 Miaoqiao villagers joined in Chinese yam planting. Ni signed purchasing contracts with the villagers, forming an operational mode integrating production, supply and marketing.

In 2010, Ni established a fruit and vegetable cooperative; in 2013, he created an association for the three treasures. In addition to making his own fortune, Ni also took the initiative to lead the surrounding people, especially low-income farmers, to get rid of poverty.

National role model workers and advanced workers are selected and commended every five years, and represent the highest honor for labor workers in China. This year, a total of 2,500 national workers were selected, 125 of whom are from Jiangsu province.