China promotes agricultural modernization, advancing rural vitalization

China will focus on boosting grain production per unit area using advanced technologies and enhancing public services to improve farmers' livelihoods, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian told the press following the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing.

In 2023, China's per capita grain possession reached 493 kilograms, increasing approximately seven kilograms over the previous year. This level continues to be above the international food security threshold of 400 kilograms per capita, Tang said. The country will continue to prioritize agricultural disaster prevention and mitigation to ensure the stability of its food supply.

The minister also noted that China will make efforts to sustain the growth momentum in areas and among populations that have shaken off poverty, ensuring these efforts are closely integrated with rural revitalization strategies.

"As we work on rural revitalization, it's crucial to first understand the actual needs of rural communities. Policies should be shaped by the farmers themselves, with our role being to support and guide them," he said.

He said China's agricultural equipment, disaster resistance capabilities and production and organization methods have seen significant improvements, noting that the cultivation of the three major staple foods – rice, corn, and wheat – has basically reached full mechanization.

"Over 95 percent of wheat is now harvested by machines, with each machine doing the work of 100 laborers. It used to take over half a month to harvest wheat; now it can be accomplished in three to five days," Tang said.

China is set to intensify its efforts to guarantee the stable production and supply of grain and other major agricultural products as outlined in a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Tuesday.

In addition to protecting and developing arable land, China will concentrate on increasing grain production by implementing advanced agricultural technologies to increase output per unit area. The country will also support rural business entities, including family farms and farmers' cooperatives, to further motivate farmers to cultivate grain.

China aims to make decisive progress in rural revitalization and basically achieve modernization of agriculture and rural areas by 2035. The country has consistently increased its policy support for agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

This year, China will continue to raise the minimum purchase prices for wheat and early rice, introduce comprehensive cost insurance and income insurance for planting the three major staple grains and boost subsidies for constructing high-standard farmland, according to Tang.