For Chinese people, we have the largest population in the world with vigorous demand for agricultural products. In China, as in other developing countries, most of the poor people live in rural areas. Therefore, I would like to join this discussion with the main focus on rural revitalization.
What can agriculture do to eradicate extreme poverty? In my opinion, rural revitalization means business revitalization, which is the key to stimulate rural vigor. Nowadays, China is experiencing a transformation from production-oriented to quality-oriented in a green, high quality, distinctive and high geographic identification way. We implement the national strategic plan for improving agricultural quality, paying great attention to agricultural efficiency and based on the guarantee of domestic food security.
Secondly, rural revitalization requires not only the flourishing of agriculture, but also other sectors. It is necessary to promote a deep integration of the primary, secondary and tertiary industry, to extend the agricultural value chain while building up a full-scale agricultural industry chain.
Thirdly, we need to realize that agriculture is multifunction. Take some of FAO’s work as examples, the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and the conservation of biodiversity, it develops related products and demonstrates traditional agricultural practices, promoting farm tourism and rural tourism.
Fourthly, set up international agriculture cooperation projects at village level to promote rural investment, market and technical capacity, and lay a solid foundation for developing agricultural productivity.
That’s all I’d like to share, thank you!
Dr. Yubo Xu