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China's Approach to Revitalizing Rural Industries

As China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, there is a clear focus on the critical role of agriculture and rural areas in the country's development strategy. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that enhancing agricultural sectors is vital for improving the livelihoods of farmers and modernizing rural living standards. In light of this, various specialized agricultural sectors are receiving a significant boost through the integration of advanced technologies and tailored strategies designed to adapt to local conditions.

Innovative Agricultural Practices Across China

In the eastern region, vegetables are being cultivated in sensor-controlled greenhouses, an approach that maximizes efficiency and crop yield. Meanwhile, in the northwest, aquaculture is thriving in ponds specifically designed in desert interiors, showcasing adaptability in resource use. The south has seen the emergence of premium coffee brands, while the northern pastures are home to high-quality beef cattle that contribute to modern supply chains. Each of these practices reflects a broader effort toward agricultural modernization aimed at transforming farming into a pivotal sector of the future economic landscape.

During a recent meeting focused on rural work, President Xi asserted that agriculture must evolve into a significant, modernized sector within China, urging the need for a better living standard for farmers to enable them to enjoy greater prosperity. This vision is intricately woven into the guidelines set forth by the Communist Party's Central Committee, which calls for a tech-driven, environmentally sustainable approach to agriculture emphasizing quality and branding.

Examples of Local Adaptation and Success

In the Taihu Mountain area of Lu'an, Anhui province, what once were challenges posed by steep terrain have been transformed into opportunities through the cultivation of the highly valued medicinal herb Dendrobium officinale. The support from leading businesses has led to over 23,600 mu (approximately 15,730 hectares) of planting, resulting in more than 2,600 entrepreneurial entities and job creation for over 22,000 people.

Similar trends are evident in Wuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where hilly landscapes have evolved into expansive tea plantations. Benefiting from favorable geographic and climatic conditions, tea cultivation in this region has expanded to over 400,000 mu, yielding more than 40,000 tons of tea annually, with a projected production value exceeding 30 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) by 2025.

These developments are part of a nationwide trend where, during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), China nurtured 210 specialized industrial clusters, developed 250 modern agricultural parks, and supported 1,098 strong agricultural cities. With approximately 94,000 leading agricultural businesses at the county level—of which 2,250 are recognized nationally—these initiatives are fostering significant economic growth in rural areas.

Technological Innovations Driving Change

Technological advances play a crucial role in this agricultural transformation. In Hebei province's Yuyuan County, local kaki, which previously could only be sold in season, has benefitted from collaboration with agricultural universities that developed techniques to increase shelf life and allow for year-round supply. In Chengdu, Sichuan province, strawberry farms are utilizing AI and IoT technology, with hundreds of sensors managing production processes, substantially boosting yields and economic returns.

These localized innovations align with the national agricultural strategy articulated in the Central Document No. 1 for 2026, which advocates for enhancing the efficiency of agricultural scientific and technological innovations. It explicitly supports the broader adoption of drones, IoT, and agricultural robotics.

In summary, China’s concerted efforts to modernize agricultural practices through localized strategies and technology integration are setting the stage for a new era in farming. As Xi Jinping reiterates, the key to this transformation lies in scientific and technological advancement. With over 800 research institutions, approximately 120,000 researchers, and 400,000 agricultural technicians in place, the framework facilitating this agricultural revolution is robust. Experts believe that the success of these strategies will lead to agriculture becoming a modern pillar of the economy, marked by resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability.

With the right focus and commitment, there is significant potential for agriculture to not only contribute to the economy but also improve the quality of life for countless rural residents across China.