China steps up rural revitalization

Han Changfu, minister of agriculture, at a news conference on March 7, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will see a promising and lucrative agricultural industry, a beautiful countryside and well-off farmers, Han Changfu, minister of agriculture, said Wednesday.

Farming will become an attractive and demanding profession, while rural areas will become beautiful and prosperous, as the country steps up its efforts to revitalize its vast rural regions, Han said at a news conference on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress.

Rural revitalization is a long-term process as there are vast differences among different villages in China, he said.

"For the rural revitalization strategy to succeed, China should continue to give priority to formulating scientific plans tailored for rural regions, including industrial layout, infrastructure development, land use and public service," Han said.

The country should allocate more policy support, increase public investment and improve public services in rural areas, as well as accelerate integrated development to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas, he added.

The Ministry of Agriculture has sent more than 120 officials to 60 villages in 30 provinces and municipalities for one month to obtain firsthand materials on every aspect of the rural areas to better implement the strategy, according to Han.