In Wang's words, specialists, like Zhu and Zhou, have brought innovation and technology to the district.

"PhD students and professors bring hope to our village," Wang Yanjin, head of Beitaitou village, says. As technology is introduced, villagers are expanding selling channels, online and off, to promote their products. Every day, Wang Cuiyun, 52, hosts livestreams selling corn on social media.

"My corn is different to other corn. What I promote is corn planted by PhD students and agronomists," Wang Cuiyun says.