#China #Beijing #Agricultural Technology #Rural Revitalization

Enhancing China's Rural Industries for a Sustainable Future

In recent years, China's government has prioritized the enhancement of specialized rural industries as a core strategy for stimulating rural revitalization. By integrating advanced technologies, the country aims to modernize agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers across its vast landscape. The shift towards embracing technology and innovation is paving the way for a sustainable agricultural future.

Innovating Agriculture with Technology

In eastern China, sensor-controlled greenhouses are cultivating an array of vegetables, maximizing efficiency while ensuring quality yields. Meanwhile, in the arid northwest, fish are raised in expansive ponds carved from desert sands, showcasing the versatility of Chinese agriculture in adapting to local conditions.

This commitment to modernization aligns with President Xi Jinping's directives during the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). He emphasized that agriculture, rural areas, and the well-being of farmers are paramount. Efforts are being directed towards transforming agriculture into a modern pillar of the economy. This includes developing environmentally friendly practices focused on quality and branding to strengthen rural economies.

Adapting to Local Conditions

The local adaptability of agricultural practices is evident in places like Lu'an, Anhui Province, where the steep terrain of the Dabie Mountains previously stunted agricultural growth. Now, eco-friendly cultivation of the highly valued medicinal herb, Dendrobium officinale, has expanded significantly thanks to the support of leading enterprises. With over 2,600 businesses established, the region has seen employment rise to more than 22,000.

In southern China’s Wuzhou, hilly landscapes have been transformed into extensive tea plantations. Beneficial geographical and climatic conditions contribute to a yearly production surpassing 40,000 tons, with overall production value expected to exceed 30 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) by 2025. Such trends reflect a broader strategy supported during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), which led to the establishment of over 210 specialized industrial clusters and numerous modern agricultural parks across the nation.

Key to Local Income Growth

According to Zhong Yu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, county-level industries that enhance local incomes serve as essential tools for increasing farmers' earnings. Mechanisms such as contract farming, capital dividends, and local employment opportunities facilitate equitable participation in industry growth for farmers.

Technological Breakthroughs in Agriculture

In Yi County, Hebei Province, persimmons were previously sold only seasonally. However, collaboration with agricultural universities has led to the development of a gradual cooling technique, dramatically extending shelf life from a few days to nearly a year, ensuring continuous supply throughout the year. Similarly, in Chengdu's Wenjiang District, AI and IoT are utilized in strawberry plantations, employing hundreds of sensors to optimize production and significantly boost yields.

These micro-level innovations reflect a concerted shift in policy aimed at enhancing scientific and technological efficiency in agriculture. The Central Document No. 1 for 2026 explicitly encourages greater use of drones, IoT, and agricultural robots to further advance the sector.

Building a Comprehensive Innovation System

President Xi has consistently highlighted that technological advancement and innovation are crucial for modernizing agriculture. China's agricultural innovation system encompasses over 800 research institutions, 120,000 scientists, and approximately 400,000 local agricultural technicians, creating a robust framework for development.

Li Jianjun, a professor at the Chinese Agricultural University, believes that the upcoming five-year plan is crucial for laying the groundwork for key socialist modernization aspects. Speeding up the integration of technological innovations with industrial advancements in agriculture is necessary to bridge long-standing developmental gaps in rural areas. If executed effectively, this process can transform agriculture into a modern, resilient, competitive, and sustainable pillar sector for China’s future development.