In Apodi, in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, a co-operation project between Brazil and China has introduced mechanisation into family farming, transforming production dynamics in the countryside. The initiative is part of the "Brazil-China Family Farming Mechanisation Technology Residency", which connects Chinese students with local producers.

Students from China Agricultural University have been working in Apodi since 2024, with the aim of using small and medium-sized agricultural machinery. The initiative has already benefited nearly 2,000 families, increased the productivity of crops such as lettuce and coriander by up to seven times, and contributed to the growth of local income.

The project was conceived by Professor Yang Minli from China Agricultural University after identifying the limitations in access to machinery in rural Brazil. According to the professor, the lack of mechanisation imposes constraints on production and requires high physical exertion. The proposal involved adapting smaller Chinese equipment to local conditions, with reduced cost and simplified operation.

By April 2026, 15 technical training sessions had been held. The programme has distributed 62 agricultural machines, currently in operation in various productive areas of the region.

(Source: China 2 Brazil, on 20 April)