Meteorological devices and other monitoring equipment in Lankao's fields collect data that are transmitted to the county's smart agriculture service center. After data analysis and expert evaluation, practical guidance is sent to farmers for reference, leading to higher yields and higher quality.

Efforts such as the application of advanced technologies are being rolled out across the country, contributing to China's bountiful summer grain harvest this year, and are expected to bring about a bumper harvest this autumn as well.

According to survey data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on July 12, the country's summer grain output totaled 149.78 million tons this year, up 2.5 percent or nearly 3.63 million tons year on year. China's summer grain sown area increased slightly to 26.61 million hectares this year, 4,500 hectares more than last year.

"Currently, the summer grains and early rice have been harvested, and the overall growth of autumn grains is normal. The supply of farm produce is sufficient," Lei Liugong, Director General of the Department of Market and Informatization of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said at a news conference in Beijing on August 30.

The seventh Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival kicked off its main event in Lankao, and in rural areas across the country, on the morning of September 22. The festival, which falls on the Autumn Equinox during the September harvest season, was established in 2018 and is the first national holiday dedicated to farmers. 

The celebrations in Lankao included exhibitions, cultural performances, and entertainment events spotlighting farmers' contributions and the importance of agriculture in Chinese society.

Initiatives like the rural film week, storytelling sessions and basketball competitions were held to involve rural communities and highlight their creativity.

Events including food tastings were organized to spur consumer spending and create a festive atmosphere.

Ahead of the festival, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended festive greetings and sincere regards on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee to farmers and other people working on agricultural and rural fronts nationwide.

Xi pointed out that despite the adverse impacts of relatively severe natural disasters and other challenges this year, China has increased summer grain output and ensured steady production of early rice, and is expecting another bumper grain harvest throughout the year. He added that all this will provide strong support for consolidating and strengthening economic recovery and improvement, as well as for promoting high-quality development.

Xi stressed that it is important to continue consolidating and amplifying the achievements of poverty alleviation; and make every effort to enhance the economic benefits of agriculture, increase farmers' incomes, and inject greater vitality into the countryside, so as to bring tangible benefits to farmers. It is hoped that farmers and people from other sectors across the nation will take action to transform the rural revitalization blueprint into a reality step by step, so as to lay the foundation for the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, as well as for building China into an agricultural powerhouse.

Improving rural livelihood 

At the festival, farmers not only celebrate harvest, but also the improvement in their livelihood. This year, many rural areas have increased employment opportunities and income sources for farmers by developing specialty products that make good use of their local agricultural assets and advantages. Across the country, regional governments are working to build livable, beautiful villages.

In the Jishui New Town community of Runcheng Town in Yangcheng County, Jincheng City of Shanxi Province, convenient services are being offered to local residents. "Two Party members at the community service center routinely visit elderly and disabled residents to help them pay their utility bills," said Ji Zhiliang, secretary of the community CPC branch.

Nationwide, efforts to enhance the rural living environment have been ongoing, with approximately 75 percent of rural households having access to sanitary toilets, and around 90 percent of villages having effective waste collection and disposal systems. The coverage rate of tap water in rural areas has reached 90 percent, while continuous improvements have been made in other basic public services such as education, healthcare and elderly care.

Regions are working together to transform the blueprint of comprehensive rural revitalization into reality.   

(Print Edition Title: Celebrating Harvest) 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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