President Xi Jinping has called for renewed focus on agricultural education and technological advancement in a congratulatory message to China Agricultural University (CAU), which celebrates its 120th anniversary this week. The Chinese leader emphasized the institution's critical role in nurturing talent to strengthen food security and rural development.
A Legacy of Agricultural Excellence
In his letter addressed to CAU's faculty and students, Xi – who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee – praised the university's historic contributions to China's agricultural modernization. Since its founding in 1905, CAU has pioneered research in crop science, sustainable farming practices, and rural economic development.
Aligning With National Goals
The message specifically urged the institution to:
Accelerate breakthroughs in core agricultural technologies
Deepen integration between industry and academia
Foster international cooperation in agricultural innovation
This directive aligns with China's broader push to achieve self-reliance in key technologies and modernize its agricultural sector, which employs nearly 25% of the nation's workforce.
Global Implications
As climate change and population growth strain global food systems, CAU's research partnerships with institutions across Asia and Africa position it as a key player in addressing worldwide agricultural challenges. The university currently leads 38 international cooperation projects focused on food security and sustainable development.
