Modernizing farming can tackle rural challenges

China has made remarkable progress in modernizing its agricultural sector and rural areas. Over the past decades, farms across the country have become significantly more productive, supported by better machines, more efficient inputs and higher-yield crop varieties.

A government campaign that is creating millions of hectares of high-standard farmland is complemented by efforts in research and development to upgrade the country's seed sector and develop better technologies, including drones, biotechnology and high-tech greenhouses, through which high-quality fruits and vegetables are grown on relatively small plots and with less labor. At the same time, substantial investments have been made to improve rural infrastructure, expand internet access even to remote villages, and beautify rural areas.

Despite these achievements, the farm sector faces several challenges. Soil degradation, water scarcity and biodiversity loss are posing real challenges to farmers across the country. Also, extreme weather events due to climate change are becoming more frequent.