China Media Group (CMG) has unveiled the top 10 news stories highlighting the nation’s rural revitalization efforts in 2024. From groundbreaking agricultural reforms to environmental achievements, these milestones showcase China’s commitment to uplifting its rural regions.
1. Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee
The Communist Party of China (CPC) held its third plenary session in Beijing from July 15 to 18, 2024. The meeting outlined comprehensive strategies for integrated urban-rural development and set key tasks for agricultural and rural reform.
2. Central Rural Work Conference
On December 17-18, President Xi Jinping delivered important directives at the Central Rural Work Conference in Beijing. He emphasized the achievements of 2024 and laid out clear objectives for agriculture, rural areas, and farmers in 2025, urging deeper rural reform and increased support for farmers.
3. “No. 1 Central Document” for 2024
Released on February 3, the “No. 1 central document” stressed the importance of adopting the successful practices from Zhejiang Province’s Green Rural Revival Program to promote comprehensive rural revitalization nationwide.
4. Strengthening Supply and Marketing Cooperatives
Marking the 70th anniversary of the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, President Xi called for building integrated platforms to support farmers and advance modern agriculture, reinforcing ties between the government and rural communities.
5. Record Grain Output
China’s grain production reached a historic high of 1.413 trillion jin (706.5 million tonnes) in 2024, surpassing the 1.4 trillion jin threshold for the first time after nine consecutive years above 1.3 trillion jin.
6. Farmland Expansion
With a focus on protecting and improving farmland, China’s total farmland area increased for the third consecutive year, reaching 1.918 billion mu (128 million hectares) in 2024.
7. Agricultural Germplasm Resources Survey Completed
China concluded its most extensive national survey of agricultural germplasm resources, clarifying the types, quantities, and distribution of resources for crops, livestock, and aquaculture after three years of research.
8. National Plan for Rural Elderly Care
In June, China released its first national-level guidance document focused on elderly care in rural areas, aiming to address the needs of the aging rural population.
9. Taklimakan Desert Encircled with Green Belt
On November 28, the Taklimakan Desert, China’s largest desert, was completely surrounded by a 3,046-kilometer sand-blocking green belt in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, marking significant progress in desertification control.
10. Growth in Rural Logistics
In 2024, the central and western regions of China saw express delivery business volumes grow faster than the national average. Over 337,800 multifunctional village-level logistics service centers have been established, enhancing connectivity in rural areas.
Reference(s):
CMG reveals top 10 news for China's rural revitalization in 2024
cgtn.com
