Improving the development level of rural industries: A comprehensive approach to rural revitalization
The Central Rural Work Conference at the end of 2023 emphasized the importance of “precise and pragmatic cultivation of rural industries,” and the No. 1 Central Document in 2024 highlighted the need to “improve the development level of rural industries.” These key directives underscore the significance of developing rural industries as a foundation for comprehensive rural revitalization in building a powerful agricultural country in the new era.
In recent years, China has made significant strides in strengthening the basic position of agriculture and promoting high-quality development of rural industries. With a focus on developing advantageous industries based on unique resources, the country has seen accelerated growth in rural industries. The modernization level of the agricultural industry chain and supply chain has improved, rural innovation and entrepreneurship are flourishing, and rural industries are showing trends of integration, clustering, greening, and digitalization.
Rural industries have entered a fast lane of development, with the added value of agriculture and related industries exceeding 19 trillion yuan in 2022. The development of industrial parks and clusters, as well as the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism, have played a crucial role in promoting rural economic growth and increasing farmers’ income. Policies such as the “Guiding Opinions of the State Council on Promoting the Revitalization of Rural Industries” have outlined strategies to strengthen the modern planting and breeding industry, refine local specialty industries, and optimize rural leisure tourism, among others.
To further enhance the development level of rural industries, experts suggest utilizing industrial parks and clusters as platforms to promote industry development, improving the comprehensive carrying capacity of counties, and enhancing the mechanism of linking agriculture with agriculture. By leveraging resource endowments, developing industries, and increasing income, rural areas can inject new momentum into overall revitalization.
In addition to promoting rural industries, the country has also focused on rural innovation and entrepreneurship as a means to increase farmers’ income and prosperity. Policies supporting rural employment and entrepreneurship, fostering talent, and stimulating innovation have led to the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs in agriculture and related fields.
The development of new rural industries and business formats, such as rural leisure tourism and rural e-commerce, has been a key driver of rural revitalization. New initiatives, including the promotion of county e-commerce live broadcast bases and online sales of rural products, have further boosted the growth of rural e-commerce. While progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in diversifying product structures, enhancing software and hardware facilities, and improving infrastructure.
Overall, by implementing a comprehensive approach to rural revitalization through the development of rural industries and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, China is laying a solid foundation for building a powerful agricultural country and improving the well-being of farmers. With continued policy support, technology empowerment, and talent cultivation, rural industries will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and rural prosperity in the years to come.