In January 2016, China released No. 1 Central Document for the year, emphasizing the need to fully implement the new development philosophy and advance agricultural modernization, thus ensuring hundreds of millions of rural residents enjoy a decent life together with the rest of the country.
The following measures will be taken to boost innovation and advance the supply-side structural reform in the agriculture sector:
Adjusting the structure. The structure and regional layout of agriculture will be optimized, and both domestic and international markets and resources will be put to best use.
Improving the quality. The strategy for food safety will be implemented to improve the quality and safety of agricultural products.
Promoting integrated development. Measures will be taken to promote the integration of industries in rural areas, promote the transformation and upgrading of the agricultural products processing industry, develop the infrastructure and market for the distribution of agricultural products, and bolster the development of leisure agriculture and rural tourism.
Cutting overcapacity. Competent authorities should draw up plans as soon as practical and ensure a measured pace to cut overcapacity.
Reducing costs. More financial resources will be steered towards rural areas, and the production, distribution and marketing costs for agricultural products will be reduced.
Strengthening the areas of weaknesses. Agricultural infrastructure will be further improved through such measures as developing high-standard farmland and water conservancy projects on a large scale. Besides, efforts will be made to strengthen resources protection and ecological restoration and promote the green development of agriculture. To that end, it is necessary to protect and make best use of agricultural resources, tackle acute environmental problems in the agriculture sector, and strengthen the restoration of agricultural ecology.
Coordinated measures are required to raise farmers’ incomes.
First, supporting rural workforce in finding jobs or starting their own businesses and helping migrant workers better integrate into cities. The pace of new urbanization will be quickened, and urban residency will be granted to more migrant workers who have been living and working in cities for a long time.
Second, better leveraging the leading role of appropriately scaled agribusiness operations of various types to increase agricultural efficiency.
Third, continuing to consolidate the foundation for modern agriculture and improving its quality, efficiency and competitiveness. Efforts will be stepped up to promote agrotechnology application and innovation, modernize the seed industry, and cultivate a new type of skilled farmers.
Fourth, promoting the integrated development of industries and better connecting farmers’ interests with the agricultural production chain.
Fifth, deepening rural reform and enhancing the endogenous drivers of rural development. It is necessary to reform and refine the pricing regime and the collection and storage system for major agricultural products such as grain, improve the mechanism for sustained growth in agricultural and rural investment, enhance the agricultural insurance system, and further the reform of the collective property rights system.
Sixth, promoting the coordinated development of urban and rural areas and advancing the development of a new countryside. Efforts will be made in rural areas to accelerate the construction of infrastructure, deliver better public services, implement the initiatives for an improved living environment and a beautiful and livable countryside, and press ahead with the fight against poverty.
