How China is Strengthening Specialty Rural Industries for Rural Revitalization

In recent years, China's government has embarked on an ambitious plan to revitalize its rural regions. Central to this effort is the enhancement of specialty rural industries, leveraging technology and local resources. With the integration of advanced agricultural techniques and a focus on precision farming, these initiatives aim to boost productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

Technological Integration in Agriculture

In eastern China, farmers are increasingly utilizing sensor-controlled greenhouses to cultivate vegetables efficiently. This innovative approach not only maximizes yields but also ensures sustainable practices that minimize resource wastage. In contrast, activities in the arid northwest involve fish farming in ponds carved into sandy desert landscapes, illustrating the adaptability and ingenuity of rural enterprises in China. Additionally, southward, premium coffee beans are being processed to meet rising demand, while the northern grasslands support high-grade beef cattle to supply modern supply chains.

The synergy of these diverse agricultural practices reflects a broader trend of modernization aimed at transforming traditional farming into a pillar of China's future growth.

Agricultural Policy and Development Priorities

With the onset of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), President Xi Jinping emphasized that agricultural development is crucial for rural prosperity. The government's vision involves making agriculture a significant modern sector while enhancing life quality in rural areas. This includes empowering farmers to achieve higher income levels through strategic planning and effective policy implementation.

Guidance from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China calls for a coordinated strategy that emphasizes technology-driven, ecological, quality-focused, and brand-oriented agricultural development. These recommendations have been elaborated in Central Document No. 1 for 2026, outlining measures to support agriculture and rural modernization as part of a comprehensive rural revitalization strategy.

Success Stories in Rural Innovation

Specific locales in China demonstrate the fruits of such initiatives. In the Dabie Mountains of Lu’an, Anhui province, once-stony terrain is now home to thriving ecological farms producing Dendrobium officinale—a highly valued medicinal herb. This agricultural transformation has led to over 23,600 mu (approximately 1,573 hectares) of land being cultivated, providing jobs for more than 22,000 individuals through partnerships with leading enterprises.

In Wuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the region's hilly landscape has been converted into vast tea plantations. Favorable climatic conditions have allowed for over 400,000 mu (around 26,667 hectares) dedicated to tea cultivation, leading to an expected production value exceeding 30 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) by 2025.

This is just a glimpse into a wider trend observed across the nation. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), China supported the establishment of 210 specialized industrial clusters, 250 modern agricultural parks, and 1,098 robust agricultural towns, boosting the number of major agricultural enterprises to approximately 94,000 at the county level.

Innovative Mechanisms to Increase Income

Zhong Yu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, notes that specialized industrial sectors at the county level play a crucial role in improving local incomes for farmers. Mechanisms like order-based purchasing, equity dividends, and local job opportunities enable farmers to secure a fair share of industrial growth.

Breakthrough Innovations

Technology has been a game changer in the agricultural sector. For instance, a local variety of persimmon in Yi County, which was only available seasonally, now benefits from techniques developed in conjunction with agricultural universities. These innovations extend the shelf life of the produce from mere days to nearly a year, allowing for year-round supply. In Wenjiang District, Chengdu, strawberry farms utilize AI and IoT, controlling production through hundreds of sensors, significantly boosting yields.

Such micro-level shifts reflect a broader transformation in China's agricultural practices. Document No. 1 calls for improving agricultural science and technology innovation efficiency while explicitly encouraging the incorporation of drones, IoT, and agricultural robotics.

The Future of Agriculture in China

President Xi Jinping has reiterated that scientific and technological advancements are pivotal for agricultural modernization. China has established a comprehensive agricultural innovation system that houses over 800 research institutions, more than 120,000 scientists, and approximately 400,000 local agricultural technicians.

As outlined by Li Jianjun, a professor at the China Agricultural University, the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial for laying the groundwork for socialist modernization. Accelerating the integration of technological innovations into agricultural development is essential for addressing long-standing rural challenges. When executed effectively, agriculture can evolve into a modern, resilient, competitive, and sustainable pillar of the Chinese economy, contributing significantly to national growth and improved living standards for its rural populace.