My name is Yang Zhengming and I am from Sichuan. I am 57 years old this year. My son and daughter have both moved away to work. I live alone with my wife and we rely entirely on the income we make from animal husbandry. We do not make very much; it is enough for us to live on, but not enough for us to save.

We do not want to ask our son and daughter to help us--they have enough worries of their own. In order to help us increase our income, I would like to purchase several pigs and ducks to raise. But without the cash, what can I do? Just as I was the most worried, I talked with some microfinance loan officers who were make rounds in our village and discussed my situation with them. They told me to go the office and file a formal application with their organization. After explaining all the details, they allowed me to apply.

I need to borrow 3000 RMB in micro-loans to buy a female pig. I can use the profits from breeding her to repay my loan. I can also work several odd jobs to help financially. If I am successful, our household income will increase significantly helping us with everyday expenses as well as allowing us to save for our old age.