Expert insights: Keywords from China's No. 1 document and impact

Editor's Note:

China's No. 1 central document, released on February 23, reaffirms the country's commitment to advancing agricultural technology. This document emphasizes the importance of innovation, technological breakthroughs and the development of leading agricultural enterprises to ensure food security and optimize agricultural production. It highlights how agricultural technology is crucial in improving productivity and ensuring a stable food supply.

Li Chunding is a professor and deputy dean at the College of Economics and Management at China Agricultural University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Key agricultural tech trends in China's 2025 No. 1 central document

The 2025 No. 1 central document underscores three key areas that drive agricultural development in China.

The document emphasizes the need to harness new quality productive forces, such as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, to increase agricultural productivity. These innovations aim to improve farming efficiency and enhance crop yields. 

A crucial focus is the revitalization of the seed industry. Developing superior seeds, driven by biotechnology and breeding innovations, is vital for ensuring food security. "Nanfan Silicon Valley" is highlighted as a key platform to drive this seed industry transformation. 

Another priority is the cultivation of leading agricultural technology enterprises. This includes supporting companies in the breeding and biotechnology sectors that can advance research and innovation, helping China enhance its competitiveness in global agricultural markets.

These areas form the foundation of China's strategy for increasing food production and ensuring long-term food security. The document presents an integrated framework focusing on the entire agricultural value chain from seed development to technology adoption in farming.

Innovation platforms: 'Nanfan Silicon Valley' and more

Innovation platforms like "Nanfan Silicon Valley" play a significant role in advancing agricultural technology.

These hubs concentrate research, talent, and capital to accelerate the development of cutting-edge farming solutions.

Similarly, Beijing's "Agricultural Zhongguancun" is another critical platform that supports agricultural innovation through technology aggregation. These platforms help bring together the latest scientific advancements and drive rapid progress in the sector.

Valuable experience for the Global South

China's agricultural development model offers valuable experience for the Global South, particularly in areas such as food security, poverty reduction, and increasing agricultural efficiency.

Despite having only 8 percent of the world's arable land, China feeds more than 20 percent of the global population. This achievement highlights the importance of agricultural technology in optimizing limited land resources.

China's experience in agricultural technology innovation and rural development has benefited other developing countries.

Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road, China actively assists African and Latin American nations in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.

China's agricultural expertise contributes to the global fight against hunger and poverty, aligning with the goal of building a shared global future.