Promoting agriculture in times of hardship
16:15, February 02, 2009
At the beginning of the year of ox, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued the No.1 Document concerning the "three rural issues" (a formula used to address the three key issues in the development of rural China: the industrialization of agriculture; the reform of the household registration system; the relief of farmers' life burden and the raise of their cultural level). The document was entitled “Opinions on Policies for Promoting steady agricultural development and Facilitating Farmers’ Incomes” and it was a best Spring Festival present given to farmers by the central government.
In the past year, Chinese people of all ethnic groups, under the firm leadership of CPC Central Committee, worked hard, with one heart and one mind, to fight against the devastating natural disasters, to overcome all kinds of difficulties and to maintain a healthy agricultural development in rural areas. The agricultural production witnessed a considerable increase for the fifth year running over the past four decades. The good situation of agriculture and the rural economy last year can be proved by the increase in both grain production and farmers’ income. Public causes in the countryside witnessed rapid development and the relationship between the party and the mass in rural areas was further improved. The good momentum of agriculture and rural areas made great contribution to the steady and rapid growth of national economy as well as social harmony and stability.
China might have plenty of hardship to deal with in the year of ox, yet this will also be a year to strengthen and carry on the favorable situation in agriculture and countryside. The international financial crisis and the global economic slowdown had a negative impact upon China’s economy, particularly on the development of rural economy. Under that circumstance, it will be tougher and more challenging to maintain the steady development of grain production and to keep the price of agricultural produce within a reasonable range; but it will also be pressing and urgent to further improve the quality of agricultural produce, to avoid managerial risks and to promote farmers’ income. The work regarding agriculture and countryside will be crucial to the overall development of the nation's economy, social stability and harmony.
Agriculture must be placed on the top of the agenda amid the sluggish economic development. The great potential of expanding domestic demand will be found in rural areas; the steady and rapid growth of national economy will be based on agriculture; the focal point of improving people’s livelihood will be the farmers.
The No.1 Document this year has made an overall planning for the development of agriculture and increase of farmers’ income. They are: regarding steady growth of rural economy as top priority, constantly strengthening policies to support and benefit agriculture, rural areas and farmers, putting more efforts in providing sci-tech support, optimizing industrial structure, advancing reform and innovation, ensuring food safety and maintaining sufficient supply of agricultural produce, promoting farmers’ income.
The central government should attach great importance to the development of the “three rurals”, particularly in times of the economic crisis. Agriculture is the basis of national economy. The No.1 Document released recently was a programmatic document guiding work in rural areas this year. Governments at various levels across the countries must study the document carefully and carry out work creatively as to implement all measures and policies put forward by the central government.
The work in rural areas this year is arduous and tough. Cadres at various levels should better understand the situation and seize the opportunity to thoroughly implement the scientific outlook on development, engage in hard work and reap positive results in the three rural issues.
By People’s Daily Online
