In China, people engaged in work related to culture, education, science and technology, such as engineers and professors, often have professional titles. These titles are given by government departments as an indication of a person's skill level, and can be influential in deciding their income and social status. Although there is growing suspicion of the rationality behind the present assessment system of professional titles, which is criticized for its overemphasis on one's work longevity and educational background, and neglects performance and competence, reforms seem unforthcoming.

Now the professional title system has even reached the rural areas and is to be offered to farmers too.

Recently, Shanxi Province announced that it was going to divide the province's agricultural technicians into four grades, according to their farming knowledge and work experience. Those who are qualified for a professional title will receive financial support in terms of farming work and technical training.

Actually, several other provinces have already taken the lead in categorizing farmers before Shanxi Province plunged in.

Those who support this practice believe that at a time when China's social and economic development demands a large number of skilled farmers, professional titles are undoubtedly an important step. They insist that while recognizing the competence and agricultural skills of farmers, the relevant appraisal system will also help the country to discover talent, tap potential and encourage creativity. This, in turn, will promote the market-oriented development of China's agricultural sector.

However, many remain unconvinced, arguing that although it's an innovation, the awarding of professional titles will not bring tangible benefits to farmers. Unlike professors or engineers, farmers will not enjoy higher salaries even if they are granted titles. Some predict that professional titles will help farmers to find a job more easily, but in reality farmers who would be awarded titles are already skilled and would never be without a job. In this sense, a professional title is actually useless to them. Besides, it's hard to assess whether farmers are qualified for the title or not according to rigid standards like educational background, which is an important reference when the assessment is done on intellectuals.

Professional title shows respect

Wang Huachao (www.gmw.cn): Agricultural experts play a very important role in promoting the spread of farming science, technology and new crop varieties, especially those from the farming community. As grassroots sci-tech personnel, these farmers are as important as intellectual farming experts.

Farmers comprise a large proportion of China's population. While efforts are being made to rejuvenate the country through science and technology, the strategy of elevating the status of farmers is important for sustainable national development.

The importance of experts in the countryside is not limited only to the agricultural field and rural talents are not necessarily those who are involved in farming work. If those engaged in agricultural work can have professional titles, the honor should also go to farmers who deal with other businesses unrelated to agriculture. With our progress in social development, people's attitude toward farmers needs to change.