The China Media Group (CMG) has unveiled the top 10 news stories highlighting China’s rural revitalization efforts in 2024. These stories showcase significant strides in agricultural development, rural reforms, and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of farmers across the Chinese mainland.
1. Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee
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 set out 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 Highlights
The Central Rural Work Conference convened in Beijing from December 17 to 18. President Xi Jinping delivered important instructions on agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. He acknowledged the achievements of 2024 and outlined clear requirements for advancing work related to agriculture in 2025. President Xi emphasized promoting integrated urban-rural development, deepening rural reform, and improving support systems to strengthen agriculture, benefit farmers, and increase their incomes.
3. Release of the 2024 “No.1 Central Document”
On February 3, China released its “No.1 central document” for 2024, the first policy statement issued by the central authorities each year and an indicator of policy priorities. The document stressed the need to draw on the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program in east China’s Zhejiang Province to vigorously and effectively promote comprehensive rural revitalization.
4. Strengthening Supply and Marketing Cooperatives
Marking 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 the production and lives of farmers. He highlighted 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 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. Net Increase in Farmland
Through strengthened farmland protection and improvements in farmland quality, China’s total farmland reached 1.918 billion mu (128 million hectares) in 2024. This achievement marks a net increase for three consecutive years, expanding agricultural production space and strictly observing the farmland protection red line.
7. Completion of National Agricultural Germplasm Resources Survey
China completed its 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, laying a solid foundation for agricultural development.
8. Guidance on Elderly Care in Rural Areas
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 aging population in rural regions, ensuring that elderly residents have access to necessary care and support services.
9. Greening of the 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 monumental effort in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region signifies the advancement of greening initiatives and the retreat of desert landscapes.
10. Growth of Express Delivery in Central and Western Regions
In 2024, the growth rate of express delivery business volume in China’s central and western regions exceeded the national average. The proportion of business from these regions continued to increase, with over 337,800 village-level logistics service centers established, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities in rural areas.
These top news stories reflect China’s ongoing commitment to rural revitalization, agricultural innovation, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural residents across the country.
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CMG reveals top 10 news for China's rural revitalization in 2024
cgtn.com
