Tang Renjian, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, presided over a symposium of experts on March 1 and listened to their views and suggestions on preparing the 14th Five-Year Plan for agricultural and rural development. 

It was emphasized at the meeting the importance of preparing plans for agricultural and rural modernization and various supporting areas. Such efforts, along with formulating policy measures to promote rural revitalization and accelerate the modernization process in all aspects will help strongly support social and economic development during the 14th Five-Year Plan.

It was pointed out at the meeting that agricultural and rural development would be entering a new era during the 14th Five-Year plan period, with hard-won opportunities and daunting challenges lying ahead. Efforts must be made to seize the opportunities and address the challenges. 

First, it’s necessary to give full play to the role of experts and think tanks. Many rural development issues need to be studied and resolved. Experts have carried out extensive research in this area and gained a lot of insight; therefore, they can contribute a lot to agricultural and rural development.

Second, it’s necessary to prepare a high-quality 14th Five-Year Plan for agricultural and rural development. It is all the more important to develop plans for agricultural and rural modernization, plans for sectors including crop production, animal husbandry, fisheries and seed industries and plans for building food storage and preservation facilities and cold chain logistics. These plans will guide the high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas.

Third, it’s necessary to conduct in-depth studies on major issues concerning agriculture and rural affairs. Policy research will be centered on expanding the connotations of agricultural and rural modernization, ensuring the supply of grain and key agricultural products, implementing the action plan for rural construction, deepening rural reform, and promoting urban-rural integration, so as to support decision-making in the modernization process.

Experts present put forth their views and suggestions on issues such as expanding the connotations of agricultural and rural modernization, ensuring food security, developing rural industries, building smart agriculture and digital villages, and improving the support and protection system for agriculture.

Liu Huanxin, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wu Hongyao, member of the CPC Leading Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and director of the Secretariat of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, and Wei Baigang, Chief Economist and Director of the General Office of MARA, attended the symposium.