Issues concerning agriculture, rural areas and rural people have always been the centerpiece of the Chinese Government's work. In line with this, the Central Rural Work Conference was held on December 20-21, 2019, in Beijing to outline the roadmap for the country's work in this area for 2020.

In 2019, agricultural production maintained a sound momentum, satisfying the country's demands for food, with grain output reaching a historical high. Rural society maintained harmony and stability, and the rural vitalization strategy brought policy and financial dividends to rural development. The per-capita disposable income of rural residents has continued to increase, while their material and spiritual life has improved and their sense of happiness grown. The rural vitalization strategy, put forth at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in October 2017, aims to realize rural vitalization by 2050 when agriculture will be strong, rural areas beautiful and farmers rich.

However, there are still weak links. For instance, infrastructure construction in rural areas continues to lag behind, the rural living environment needs improvement, rural people's social insurance is inadequate and their education and healthcare situation must be increased. Whether China can eradicate poverty and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021 depends on whether these deficiencies can be overcome.

The work conference prescribed several measures for improving these weaknesses. Efforts should be made to boost the development of rural infrastructure and water supply, and improve the rural living environment, as well as education, medical services, social security, cultural activities and the ecological environment.

Industries capable of increasing rural people's income should be developed, while skilled workers should be encouraged to return to the countryside to set up businesses. Efforts should be made to maintain stable employment and address wage arrears for migrant workers.

Grain production should be kept stable, while hog production should be restored quickly. Modern agricultural facilities should be expanded, while cold chain logistics facilities for the storage and preservation of products should be launched.

Furthermore, the CPC's comprehensive leadership on work related to agriculture, rural areas and rural people should be promoted, with grassroots Party organizations playing a major role, the conference stressed.