#China #Beijing #Agriculture #Rural Development

Introduction

Recently, CGTN released an insightful report detailing China's ongoing efforts to enhance specialized rural industries as part of its overarching strategy for rural revitalization. The article outlines innovative approaches and advancements in technology, including the integration of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are driving innovation and increasing farmers' incomes. The aim is to modernize agriculture, turning it into a vital sector for China's future development.

Transforming Agriculture in China

In eastern China, vegetables are being cultivated in sensor-controlled greenhouses. In the northwestern regions, fish are raised in ponds dug into the desert sands, and in the south, coffee beans are processed into premium brands. Meanwhile, in the northern prairies, high-quality cattle anchor modern supply chains. All these specialized rural industries mark a significant shift towards modern agriculture in China.

As China embarks on the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), President Xi Jinping has emphasized the crucial importance of agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. He stressed that China must strive to modernize agriculture and improve rural living standards so that farmers can enjoy more prosperous lives. This political direction is explicit, as the recommendations from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for the 15th Five-Year Plan emphasize a coordinated development of technology-focused agriculture aligned with environmental considerations and quality branding.

Local Adaptation and Advancements

In Lu'an city, Anhui Province, once-challenging mountainous terrain has been transformed into ecological cultivation sites for Dendrobium officinale, a valuable medicinal plant. Supported by leading enterprises, planting areas have exceeded 23,600 mu (about 1,573 hectares), benefitting over 2,600 businesses and creating jobs for over 22,000 individuals. Similarly, in Wuzhou city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, hilly terrains have evolved into extensive tea plantations, producing over 40,000 tons annually, with a projected total production value of more than 30 billion yuan (approximately $4.3 billion) by 2025.

These instances reflect a broader trend across China, where, during the previous 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the government supported 210 specialized industrial hubs, 250 modern agricultural industry parks, and 1,098 strong agricultural cities. Nationally, there are approximately 94,000 leading county-level agricultural enterprises, contributing significantly to local livelihoods.

"County-level industries that enhance local incomes are essential for farmers to increase revenue," stated Zhong Yu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He pointed out that mechanisms such as contract purchases, equity dividends, and local employment help farmers fairly participate in industrial growth.

The Role of Technology

In Yi County, Hebei Province, local persimmons, which used to be sold only in season, can now benefit from advanced preservation techniques developed in collaboration with agricultural universities. These innovations have extended their shelf life from a few days to nearly a year, allowing consistent supply throughout the year. In Wenjiang District of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, AI-optimized strawberry farms deploy hundreds of sensors to manage production, leading to significant yields.

These microeconomic changes mirror larger political shifts. The central document for 2026 calls for improved efficiency in agricultural science and technological innovation, encouraging widespread use of drones, IoT, and agricultural robots.

President Xi has repeatedly emphasized that the key to modernizing agriculture lies in scientific and technological progress and innovation. China has established a relatively comprehensive agricultural innovation system, featuring over 800 research institutions and around 400,000 basic agricultural technicians.

Li Jianjun, a professor at China Agricultural University, believes the 15th Five-Year Plan period will be pivotal for laying the groundwork for fundamentally realizing socialist modernization. Accelerating the integration of technological innovation into agricultural industry development is essential to address the long-standing weaknesses of rural development. If executed effectively, it can transform agriculture into a modern pillar industry that is more resilient, competitive, and sustainable.

In conclusion, China's strategic actions to boost specialized rural industries signify a major step toward the modernization of agriculture. By leveraging technology and local conditions, China aims not only to revitalize its rural areas but also secure a prosperous future for its farmers and the country’s economy.