China Media Group (CMG) has unveiled the top 10 news stories highlighting the nation\u2019s rural revitalization efforts in 2024. These milestones showcase significant progress in agriculture, rural development, and the well-being of rural residents.
1. Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee
The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its third plenary session in Beijing from July 15 to 18, 2024. The meeting outlined systematic arrangements for promoting institutions and mechanisms for integrated urban-rural development, clarifying key tasks for agricultural and rural reform.
2. Central Rural Work Conference Addresses Agriculture and Rural Development
The Central Rural Work Conference convened in Beijing from December 17 to 18. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered important instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. He emphasized the achievements of 2024 and set clear requirements for agricultural work in 2025. Xi called for efforts to promote integrated urban-rural development, deepen rural reform, improve support systems for strengthening agriculture, benefiting farmers, and increasing their incomes, and comprehensively promote rural revitalization.
3. “No. 1 Central Document” Prioritizes Rural Revitalization
China released its “No. 1 central document” for 2024 on February 3, underscoring the need to draw on the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. The document calls for vigorous and effective promotion of comprehensive rural revitalization across the country.
4. Strengthening Supply and Marketing Cooperatives
On the 70th anniversary of the founding of the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, President Xi Jinping urged these 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 CPC, the government, and farmers.
5. Record High Grain Output
China’s grain output in 2024 reached a record high of 1.413 trillion jin (706.5 million tonnes). This achievement marks the first time the national grain output has exceeded the 1.4-trillion-jin threshold after nine consecutive years of production above 1.3 trillion jin.
6. Continuous Increase in Farmland
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 three consecutive years, ensuring a solid foundation for agricultural production.
7. Completion of National Agricultural Germplasm Resources Survey
China completed its largest and most comprehensive national agricultural germplasm resources survey in 2024. The three-year survey identified the types, quantities, regional distribution, and characteristics of germplasm resources for crops, livestock, and aquaculture, providing valuable data for agricultural innovation.
8. Guidance Document for Rural Elderly Care Released
In June, China released its first national-level guidance document for elderly care in rural areas. The plan aims to address the growing needs of the rural elderly population by improving care services and infrastructure.
9. Green Belt Encircles Taklimakan Desert
On November 28, the Taklimakan Desert\u2014China’s largest desert and the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert\u2014was completely encircled by a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 kilometers. This achievement in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region showcases the advancement of greening efforts and the retreat of desertification.
10. Growth in Rural Express Delivery Services
In 2024, the growth rate of express delivery business volume in China’s central and western regions exceeded the national average. The proportion of these regions in the country’s total express business continued to increase. Over 337,800 village-level logistics service centers with multiple functions have been established, enhancing connectivity and supporting rural commerce.
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CMG reveals top 10 news for China's rural revitalization in 2024
cgtn.com
