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E-mail China.org.cn, August 19, 2024
Shou Xiaoli:
Due to time constraints, we'll just take two more questions.
Sannongfabu:
Over the past few years, as resource and environmental constraints have tightened, we've noticed a shift toward greener farming practices. Can you tell us how green development in agriculture is coming along? Additionally, what plans are in place to further advance this initiative? Thanks!
Zhang Xingwang:
Thank you for your questions. If we take a walk in the countryside during this season, we will witness the influence and appeal of green initiatives. Green development is the basic characteristic of high-quality growth and is intrinsic to agricultural development. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, we have continuously improved the systems and mechanisms for the green development of agriculture. We unveiled the first special plan for the green development of the country's agricultural sector during this period, accelerating the shift toward eco-friendly production methods and lifestyles. These green agricultural initiatives have yielded positive results. First, the quality of arable land has consistently improved, with the national average grade now at 4.76, up 0.35 compared to a decade ago, correlating to an increase of 35 kilograms of grain yield per mu. Second, agricultural water use efficiency has significantly improved. The effective utilization coefficient of farmland irrigation water is now 0.57, a 0.05 increase over the past decade, saving over 48 billion cubic meters of water annually. Third, the utilization rates for fertilizers and pesticides have seen substantial increases; they now exceed 41%. The comprehensive utilization rate of livestock and poultry manure reached 78%, that of straw exceeds 88%, and recycling of agricultural film has stabilized above 80% in recent years. We are continually progressing, transitioning ecological burdens into valuable green assets. Fourth, the number of high-quality agricultural products has increased, and the total count now stands at 78,000. This includes green, organic, and nationally renowned special and excellent new agricultural products, as well as those with geographical indications. The compliance rate for agricultural product quality and safety monitoring remains stable above 97%. Fifth, resource wastage has decreased, with a green distribution system for agricultural products progressively being established. A standout achievement is the expansion of cold storage facilities in many major production areas. These facilities have considerably reduced the waste of fresh produce, like vegetables and fruits, during preservation, transport and storage. For example, apples harvested last year and purchased this season still maintain almost the same superb quality and taste as when freshly picked. Such advancements showcase the success of our multi-faceted green development efforts, providing tangible benefits that enrich our everyday lives.
Next, we will thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, adhere to the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and continue to promote a high-quality and green approach to agriculture, constantly enhancing the ecological foundation for high-quality agricultural development. Our focus will be on four aspects:
We will intensify resource utilization, mainly focusing on land and water. We will strengthen farmland protection and quality improvement, integrate land use with soil conservation, address degraded farmland, and promote water-saving practices in agriculture through agronomic, variety, engineering and management measures to enhance the efficient use of water in agriculture.
We will minimize input materials, mainly focusing on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides still persists in some regions. We will implement scientific fertilization and efficiency enhancement initiatives, and promote green and integrated prevention and control of crop diseases and pests, achieving reduction and efficiency gains. For example, the integrated approach to pest and disease prevention and control and the use of drones for pest control have significantly contributed to the green transformation of production methods.
We will recycle waste into resources, focusing on crop straw, livestock and poultry manure, and plastic mulch. We will develop green farming and breeding models such as pig-biogas-fruit and rice-fish systems based on local conditions, explore incentives for manure utilization, and promote low-cost and local utilization, focusing on converting waste into fertilizer, feed and energy. We will also promote the scientific returning of straw to the land to augment soil with organic matter, efficient straw removal, and the scientific use, recycling and disposal of plastic mulch, achieving both economic and ecological benefits.
We will promote low-carbon industrial chains, mainly focusing on developing eco-circular agriculture. Leveraging major projects such as national modern agricultural industrial parks, advantageous and characteristic industrial clusters, and towns with agricultural strengths that we are promoting, we will lead and drive the green and low-carbon development of the entire industrial chain.
Thank you.
