The China Media Group (CMG) has announced the top 10 news stories showcasing China’s remarkable strides in rural revitalization throughout 2024. These stories reflect the nation’s commitment to agricultural development, rural reform, and the well-being of farmers, under the guidance of national policies and leadership.
1. CPC’s Third Plenary Session Sets Rural Development Agenda
From July 15 to 18, 2024, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its third plenary session in Beijing. The meeting made systematic arrangements to promote institutions and mechanisms for integrated urban-rural development, clarifying key tasks for agricultural and rural reform.
2. Central Rural Work Conference Emphasizes Integrated Development
On December 17 and 18, the Central Rural Work Conference was held in Beijing. President Xi Jinping delivered important instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. He acknowledged the achievements of 2024 and set clear requirements for 2025, urging efforts to promote integrated urban-rural development, deepen rural reform, and improve support systems to strengthen agriculture and increase farmers’ incomes.
3. 2024 “No.1 Central Document” Focuses on Rural Revitalization
China unveiled its “No.1 central document” for 2024 on February 3, emphasizing the application of experiences from the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. The document outlined vigorous and effective measures to promote comprehensive rural revitalization.
4. Strengthening Supply and Marketing Cooperatives
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, President Xi urged the cooperatives to build integrated platforms serving farmers’ production and lives. He emphasized their role in promoting modern agriculture and acting as a bridge between the Communist Party of China and farmers.
5. Record High Grain Output Achieved
China’s grain output in 2024 hit a record high of 1.413 trillion jin (706.5 million tonnes). This milestone marks the first time the national grain output has exceeded the 1.4-trillion-jin threshold, following nine consecutive years of production above 1.3 trillion jin.
6. Farmland Protection Sees Continued Growth
By strengthening farmland protection and improving farmland quality, China’s total farmland reached 1.918 billion mu (128 million hectares) in 2024. This marks a net increase for the third consecutive year, highlighting efforts to expand agricultural production space and strictly observe the red line for farmland protection.
7. Completion of National Agricultural Germplasm Resources Survey
China completed its largest and most extensive national agricultural germplasm resources survey in 2024. The three-year survey clarified the types, quantities, regional distribution, and characteristics of germplasm resources for crops, livestock, and aquaculture.
8. National Plan for Elderly Care in Rural Areas Released
In June, China released a guidance document for elderly care in rural areas, marking the country’s first national-level plan in this field. The plan aims to improve elderly care services and support systems in rural communities.
9. Green Belt Encircles Taklimakan Desert
On November 28, the Taklimakan Desert—China’s largest desert and the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert—was fully encircled with a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 kilometers. This achievement in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region signifies the advancement of greening efforts and the retreat of desertification.
10. Growth in Express Delivery Boosts Rural Logistics
In 2024, the growth rate of express delivery business volume in China’s central and western regions exceeded the national average. With over 337,800 village-level logistics service centers built, rural areas are seeing improved logistics infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities.
These top 10 stories highlight China’s ongoing commitment to rural revitalization, showcasing significant achievements in agricultural production, rural reform, environmental conservation, and social development. The government’s continued focus on integrated urban-rural development and support for farmers sets the stage for further progress in 2025 and beyond.
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CMG reveals top 10 news for China's rural revitalization in 2024
cgtn.com
