China marks centenary of agricultural association

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President Xi Jinping called on the China Association of Agricultural Science Societies (CAASS) on Tuesday to unite the country's agricultural scientists and technicians to achieve more for national revival.

Xi made the statement in a congratulatory letter to the CAASS on its 100th anniversary.

As a time-honored academic organization in agriculture, the CAASS has witnessed and promoted China's contemporary sci-tech development in agriculture, Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) talks with villagers at Shibadong Village in Paibi Township of Huayuan County in Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi, central China's Hunan Province, November 3, 2013. /Xinhua Photo

Xi hailed the association as an important force in promoting the country's agricultural development after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, especially since the reform and opening-up drive initiated about 40 years ago.

China is seeking further development through the rural revitalization strategy, supply-side structural reform, pursuing green agriculture, and implementing targeted poverty reduction measures, all of which present new demands for China's agricultural science, technology and talent, according to Xi.

The president called on the CAASS to carry on its fine traditions, keep up with the times, and play a greater role in China's agricultural development.

An aerial view of windbreak forests in Laofengkou, Tacheng of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China. /Xinhua Photo

Premier Li Keqiang also expressed congratulations in a written message.

Li encouraged the association to carry out more extensive exchanges and cooperation with its foreign counterparts, popularize agricultural knowledge and technology, step up development of agricultural think tanks, and train more talent.

Addressing a gathering to mark the CAASS's centenary Tuesday, Vice Premier Wang Yang called on the association to facilitate innovation-driven development, help the CPC and the government in making scientific decisions, and make efforts to improve public scientific literacy.

(Cover Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) in a rice paddy field in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, northeast China, July 16, 2015. /Xinhua Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency