The hotline answers all kinds of questions related to science and technology, and has pesticides delivered for free to the person in need.

One day, a flower-lover in Nimu County found that his favorite flower was withering from the loss of moisture. Following others’ advice, the man dialed the hotline “110”.

To his surprise, a technician got to his home only several minutes later. After examination, the technician concluded that the flower was watered too much and should bask more in the sun. Just as expected, the flower was back to normal a few days later.

Since it opened in June of 2000, the hotline has received more than 1,300 calls and over 200 visitors. About 80 percent of the problems were solved directly.

“This hotline is aimed at conscientiously serving agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as farmers and herdsmen,” said Wang Yong, the founder of the hotline and deputy magistrate of Nimu County.

At present, the hotline is trying to set up a cooperative information network with relative departments in the county in an effort to improve efficiency and increase service functions.

(Xinhua 04/04/2001)