Yang Guangping, age 60, is a native of Pingtan and the chairman of Fujian Sunshine Ecological Agriculture Group Co., Ltd. At 32, Yang set up Pingtan's first commercial pig farm - a path that eventually paved his life as Pingtan's pig mogul and a "National Top Ten".

In 1987, the young Yang worked as a government official and learned of Pingtan's "pork predicament". Back then, pork was a luxury for the impoverished island county that relied heavily on external supplies, and pork prices would soar when the typhoon season set in. Hence, Yang quit his stable job to become a “swineherd” and what ensued was overwhelming as support and funds poured in from the local authorities.

The ambitious Yang raised 1.5 million yuan from his relatives and friends, rented 6 hectares of land, and bought 200 sows for his farm. He was passionate at first, but soon was dealt a heavy blow! As a newbie in the sector with little experience and limited resources, his livestock died in batches due to diseases, and his venture failed.

Despite all this, the indomitable Yang was not ready to give up. After pondering over his setback, he turned to experts to learn the tricks of the trade. In less than two years, he became an "expert". In 1996, Yang made a comeback and raised 2 million yuan. He introduced new pig breeds and set up a team of technicians. His investment finally paid off in the following year as the pigs were growing well and business began to take off.

In 2003, upon realizing how traditional pig farming takes a toll on the environment, Yang made up mind to make a change and set up an eco-friendly agricultural company.

An eco-park for agriculture are built as Yang delved into biogas projects, including producing organic fertilizers and organic food. By recycling manure, waste is turned into treasures!

Today, Yang Guanpings's pig farm supplies 100,000 livestock every year, taking up more than 70% of Pingtan's market share. 

"For the unconditional trust of those who had lent a helping hand during my start-up days, I ought to remember and repay," he said. So far, he has led 7 agricultural cooperatives, creating more than 200 jobs for local farmers annually and offered scholarships to underprivileged students.

In the earlier days of the Covid-19 outbreak, to stabilize the market, Yang Guangping had supplied his hometown with a nominal price. He has donated more than 3.5 million yuan to numerous charitable funds over the past three years. The story of Yang from rags to riches is truly an inspiration.

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