As of July 2023, we can't predict the exact highlights of China's agricultural development in 2024 yet. However, based on current trends, the following directions may be reflected:
Technological innovation
1. Smart agriculture:
Continued expansion of the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in farming. In 2024, more farms are likely to be equipped with sensors for real time monitoring of soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop growth conditions. For example, large scale wheat farms in the North China Plain may use IoT based systems to precisely control irrigation and fertilization, improving water and fertilizer use efficiency.
The development and wider use of agricultural drones. Drones may be used not only for crop spraying but also for high precision seeding in some areas. In hilly and mountainous regions, drones can overcome the difficulties of terrain and complete seeding tasks accurately, reducing labor costs.
2. Biotechnology:
Genetically modified (GM) and gene editing technologies may make further progress. If regulatory approvals are obtained, more GM crops with enhanced pest resistance, drought tolerance, or improved nutritional value may be commercially planted. For instance, GM rice varieties with high yield and disease resistance traits could potentially be introduced in some suitable areas, contributing to food security.
Microbiome research in agriculture may lead to the development of new bio fertilizers and biopesticides. These products can help improve soil fertility and protect crops from pests and diseases in a more environmentally friendly way.
Sustainable development
1. Soil conservation and improvement:
There will be a greater emphasis on measures to combat soil degradation. In 2024, more regions may adopt conservation tillage methods such as no till or minimum till farming. For example, in the black soil regions of Northeast China, conservation tillage can effectively reduce soil erosion and maintain soil structure, ensuring the long term productivity of the land.
The application of organic matter rich amendments to improve soil quality. Municipal solid waste compost and biochar may be more widely used in agricultural fields to increase soil organic matter content and enhance soil water holding capacity.
2. Water saving agriculture:
The promotion of water saving irrigation technologies such as drip irrigation and micro sprinkler irrigation will continue. In arid and semi arid regions like Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, these water saving irrigation methods will be further popularized in fruit and vegetable cultivation, reducing water consumption while increasing crop yields.
The reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture may also be further explored under strict safety regulations. Some urban adjacent agricultural areas may start to use reclaimed water for non edible crop irrigation, alleviating the pressure on freshwater resources.
Agricultural industrialization and supply chain optimization
1. Value added processing:
The development of deep processing of agricultural products is expected to accelerate. In 2024, more fruit producing areas may establish modern processing plants for making fruit juices, jams, and dried fruits. For example, in the citrus growing areas in southern China, the citrus processing industry may introduce new technologies to produce high value added products, not only increasing the income of farmers but also enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products in the market.
The development of functional foods based on agricultural raw materials. With the increasing demand for healthy foods, agricultural products such as whole grain cereals and special purpose oils may be further processed into functional foods with health promoting properties, such as blood sugar regulating whole grain biscuits or cholesterol lowering plant oils.
2. Supply chain integration:
The construction of an integrated agricultural supply chain from production to consumption will be strengthened. E commerce platforms may have a deeper integration with agricultural producers. In 2024, more farmers may directly sell their products through e commerce channels, and logistics and cold chain systems will be further optimized to ensure the freshness and quality of agricultural products during transportation. For example, fresh seafood from coastal areas can be quickly delivered to inland consumers through an improved cold chain supply chain.
Policy support and rural revitalization
1. Policy incentives:
The government may continue to introduce subsidy policies to encourage farmers to adopt new agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices. For example, providing subsidies for the purchase of agricultural machinery equipped with the latest environmental protection and energy saving devices.
Support policies for agricultural cooperatives and family farms may be further improved. In 2024, more financial and technical support may be given to these new agricultural business entities to promote their scale expansion and modernization of management.
2. Rural development and talent attraction:
With the rural revitalization strategy, more efforts will be made to improve rural infrastructure and living environment. This will not only attract more rural residents to stay and engage in agricultural production but also may draw some urban based talents to return to the countryside to start agricultural related businesses. For example, some beautiful rural areas may develop rural tourism combined with agricultural production, creating new economic growth points in rural areas.
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