On February 3, the State Council of China unveiled its highly anticipated \"No. 1 central document\" for 2024, reaffirming the nation's unwavering commitment to modernizing rural areas and the agricultural sector.
As the inaugural policy directive issued annually by China's central authority, the \"No. 1 central document\" serves as a pivotal indicator of policy priorities. For the 21st consecutive year since 2004, the agricultural and rural agenda has remained at the forefront, reflecting its enduring significance in national development.
Grain Security as the Foundation
Ensuring national grain security is a cornerstone of the 2024 document. Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining control over the nation's food supply, stating, \"The Chinese people's rice bowl must be firmly held in their own hands, mainly filled with food produced in China.\"
According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country's total grain output surpassed 695.41 million tons in 2023, marking a 1.3% year-on-year increase. This achievement signifies the ninth consecutive year of exceeding 650 million tons in grain harvest, establishing a robust foundation for a resilient agricultural sector.
To incentivize grain cultivation, the central government raised the minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice while enhancing grain subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers in 2023. Consequently, China's grain planting area expanded to 1.785 billion mu (119 million hectares), reflecting a 0.5% year-on-year increase. Additionally, soybean production reached 41.68 billion jin (205.43 million tons), up by 2.8%, underscoring the country's commitment to increasing soybean self-sufficiency.
Preventing a Large-Scale Return to Poverty
The document underscores the imperative of consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation, aiming to prevent a substantial resurgence of poverty. It calls for intensified efforts to expedite development in impoverished areas and narrow the income and development gaps between affluent and less prosperous regions.
By focusing on these critical areas, China's 2024 central document lays out a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable rural development, ensuring food security, economic growth, and social stability.
Reference(s):
'No. 1 central document' charts roadmap for rural vitalization
cgtn.com
