China has unveiled a comprehensive plan to boost rural development and agricultural innovation, aiming to strengthen the country’s agricultural foundation and ensure grain security. The policy blueprint, released on Sunday, outlines key strategies for advancing all-around rural revitalization through deepened reforms and technological innovation.
The “No. 1 central document” for 2025 emphasizes the importance of sustainable and high-quality growth in rural areas. Frequent mentions of “agriculture,” “development,” “farmers,” and “arable land” highlight the focus on cultivating a robust agricultural sector.
Deepening Rural Reforms
The document calls for using reform to address challenges in the high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas. According to Jin Wencheng, director of the Research Center for the Rural Economy at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the proposals include improving the rural land system and management mechanisms to stimulate development.
“Allowing people from rural areas to fully integrate into cities while retaining their land rights is an important institutional arrangement in the process of urbanization,” Jin said. This approach ensures that rural residents have options, maintaining their rights to land contracts, residential plots, and shares in collective operations.
Innovation Driving Agriculture
The document emphasizes the need for developing new quality productive forces in agriculture by leveraging modern technology. It calls for cultivating leading high-tech agricultural enterprises and accelerating breakthroughs in crop varieties.
Experts highlight the importance of applying advancements like artificial intelligence, digital technology, and biotechnology to improve productivity. Lin Wanlong, vice president of China Agricultural University, stressed the need to foster strategic scientists and young talents to drive agricultural progress.
“Efforts must be made to build an innovative agricultural system and create independent innovation platforms,” Lin said. “This will promote the development of new quality productive forces.”
Respecting Farmers’ Wishes
The reform measures reflect a people-centered philosophy, showing respect for farmers’ wishes. By setting up transition periods for non-grain management of cultivated land and establishing guidelines on straw burning, the policies aim to balance development with local needs.
“These measures demonstrate that the country respects farmers’ wishes,” Jin noted. “It’s about finding solutions that work for everyone involved.”
Collaborative Efforts for Success
The plan underscores the importance of building systems and mechanisms for collaborative research, coordinating various forces within the agricultural innovation system. “It’s necessary to coordinate efforts to fully realize the potential of agricultural innovation,” Jin concluded.
With this comprehensive blueprint, China is charting a path towards a stronger agricultural sector and vibrant rural communities, aligning with its goal of advancing rural revitalization.
