Innovation practices in agricultural transformation in East China: Exploring the impact and implications of the new professional farmer training model

This study aims to invigorate China's Rural Revitalization Strategy by focusing on the training of China's new generation of professional farmers, particularly enhancing the skills of modern agricultural practitioners. Utilizing a mixed-method research approach, which includes the analysis of 343 questionnaire surveys and personal interviews, significant shortcomings in the previous training of farmers were revealed, such as limited reach, high conformity in training content, and outdated methods. These findings highlight the challenges traditional training methods face in the digital technology era. In response to these challenges, this study proposes a novel training model designed for the digital era. This model encompasses seven aspects: training goals, subjects, content, means, management, methods, and effect assessment, with the aspiration to reform traditional farmer training methods. This research expands the existing literature by constructing a comprehensive framework for training the new generation of farmers, bridging the gap between traditional practices and the demands of modern agricultural training influenced by digital advancements. The study's innovation lies in its proposition of a modernized training model for the new generation of farmers, leveraging the advancements of the digital technology era. By modernizing agricultural training and enhancing the capabilities of new professional farmers, it significantly contributes to the progression of China's Rural Revitalization Strategy.