On October 25, the State Council Information Office held a press conference regarding the agricultural and rural economic performance in the first three quarters of 2024. During the event, Zhang Xingwang, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, emphasized that China’s grain production has remained stable at over 1.3 trillion jin for nine consecutive years. This year, it is expected to surpass 1.4 trillion jin for the first time.
Zhang reported that as of yesterday, over 80% of the autumn grain harvest has been completed, transitioning from optimistic forecasts to tangible results. He highlighted that throughout the year, agricultural and rural departments have fully implemented the spirit of the 20th National Congress and the key decisions from the Second and Third Plenary Sessions. They have adopted the successful “Ten Million Project” experiences, ensuring the performance of tasks outlined in the central document No. 1, which focuses on “two guarantees, three improvements, and two reinforcements.” This has further consolidated the supply of grain and other key agricultural products while making positive strides in rural revitalization and advancing the goal of building a strong agricultural nation.
Zhang pointed out several key achievements:
First, grain production has once again seen a bumper harvest. The summer grain yield has already been secured, with summer grain production reaching 2.9956 trillion jin—an increase of 725 billion jin, marking the highest uptick in nearly a decade. Early rice production was recorded at 563.5 billion jin, maintaining stability above 560 billion jin for four consecutive years. The area planted for autumn grain has increased steadily, contributing to significant improvements in yield per acre. As of yesterday, 82.5% of the autumn harvest has been collected, indicating another successful harvest season. This year’s grain production is projected to surpass the 1.4 trillion jin mark for the first time.
Second, there is a sufficient supply of “vegetable basket” products, which are characterized by their ample quantity, high quality, and diverse variety. The pig farming sector is being effectively regulated, with the national breeding sow population standing at 40.62 million by the end of September, supporting steady development in pig farming. Production of meat, eggs, and milk remains stable, with pork, beef, mutton, and poultry production reaching 70.44 million tons in the first three quarters—an increase of 1% over last year. Additionally, domestic aquatic product output saw a 4.5% rise, and the supply of vegetables and fruits is abundant.
Third, the achievements in poverty alleviation are being maintained and expanded. The targeted assistance measures are being effectively implemented, and by the end of September, over 60% of monitored individuals in 25 provinces had mitigated the risk of falling back into poverty. Furthermore, credit support has been provided to develop industries, with new microloans totaling 41.473 billion yuan benefiting 933,900 households. The employment rate for previously impoverished individuals remains robust, with over 33.01 million people engaged in work.
Fourth, the level of agricultural technology and equipment has continued to improve. Key seed enterprises are being cultivated, and efforts to understand and preserve crop and animal genetic resources are advancing. Major agricultural science and technology projects are being implemented, yielding high-yield and high-oil soybeans among other urgently needed varieties. The construction of high-standard farmland is on the rise, with protective farming practices in Northeast China covering over 11.2 million acres.
Fifth, the integration of rural industries has yielded positive results. The agricultural product processing industry is improving its efficiency, and new industries and business models are thriving, particularly in rural tourism. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, rural residents’ per capita disposable income reached 16,740 yuan in the first three quarters, reflecting a real increase of 6.3% after adjusting for price factors. The income ratio between urban and rural residents has narrowed to 2.46.
Sixth, progress has been made in building livable and workable rural areas. The rural living environment is improving, with about 75% of rural households now having access to sanitary toilets and over 90% of administrative villages managing municipal waste effectively. Public infrastructure in rural areas is being enhanced, and levels of education, healthcare, and elderly care services are gradually improving.
Seventh, rural reforms and opening-up are deepening. Key reforms are advancing steadily, with pilot extensions of land contracts in places like Anhui, Hunan, and Guangxi, and significant actions are addressing issues surrounding the management of rural collective assets.
Looking ahead, Zhang concluded by stating that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will continue to implement the decisions of the Central Government, focus on key areas, and proactively address existing policies. They will pursue new initiatives to boost agricultural efficiency, increase farmer incomes, and enliven rural areas, all while striving to meet the annual goals for agricultural and rural economic development—contributing positively to the overall economic and social objectives for the year.
