China to boost rural vitalization and modernization in 15th Five-Year Plan, says minister

China will increase efforts to advance all-around rural vitalization and agricultural and rural modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Han Jun, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said Monday during the ongoing two sessions.

"We need to align with farmers' aspirations for a better life by leveraging resources and tailoring measures to local conditions to build livable and prosperous rural communities," Han said at the ministers' passage interviews.

This year marks the first after China's transition to regular assistance, and the central government has laid out comprehensive plans to prevent a return to poverty, Han said. "We will empower communities through development-based aid and enhance social security systems to safeguard against widespread return to poverty," he said.

China has established a nationwide monitoring and assistance system to prevent poverty relapse, which is continuously being refined and operates effectively across all previously impoverished villages and counties.

"The system facilitates data sharing among departments, enabling timely and precise identification of poverty risks through on-site inspections and big data analysis," Han said, adding that it aims to ensure early detection, intervention, and assistance.

The ministry will focus on expanding employment opportunities and developing distinctive industries to ensure targeted assistance.

"Currently, 70 percent of income for previously impoverished households comes from employment," Han said. Last year, 32.8 million people from these households were employed, while employment within provinces and counties surpassed 14 million. "We will continue to prioritize skills training and employment services to stabilize jobs and income for these populations," he said.

Meanwhile, each of the 832 counties lifted out of poverty has developed strong and distinctive industries over the past five years. "We will enhance the quality and efficiency of these industries to achieve sustainable development, particularly by strengthening the entire industrial chain to boost income for rural communities," Han said.