Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Chinese farmers for their first harvest festival. He sent his greetings and best wishes to millions of Chinese people engaged in the agricultural sector on Saturday, one day ahead of the festival.

September 23 marks the Autumnal Equinox of this year, and China has designated the day for farmers to celebrate the annual harvest, the first festival created by the state specifically for the country's farmers.

Xi said that it shows the Chinese government has attached great importance to the development of agricultural and rural areas, as well as the deep care of all farmers.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of reform in rural areas. China's rural reform has gained historic achievements in the past 40 years, the president said. Without the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, there is no modernization of the whole nation, he added.

Xi called to stimulate farmers' enthusiasm, initiative and creativity for rural revitalization, poverty alleviation, as well as modernization of agriculture and rural areas.