China aims to accelerate agri. modernization in five-year plan

China aims to accelerate agri. modernization in five-year plan

China Advances Agricultural Modernization in 15th Five-Year Plan

As China enters the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), the government has prioritized accelerating agricultural modernization to strengthen the nation’s broader modernization goals by 2035. The plan emphasizes reinforcing rural development, enhancing food security, and integrating technological innovation into farming practices according to the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Recent progress in agricultural infrastructure underscores this focus. By 2025, China had constructed over 1 billion mu (approximately 66.7 million hectares) of high-standard farmland, ensuring stable and high crop yields. These facilities, equipped with advanced irrigation and mechanization, contributed to a 76.7% mechanization rate for crop cultivation, planting, and harvesting in 2025. Additionally, the use of agricultural drones exceeded 300,000 units, covering over 460 million mu annually, reflecting the sector’s rapid digital transformation.

Scientific and technological advancements accounted for over 64% of agricultural output in 2025, with home-grown seed varieties dominating key sectors, including livestock, poultry, and vegetables. The Central Rural Work Conference in December 2025 reiterated the critical role of agricultural and rural modernization in China’s overall development, calling for targeted improvements in high-standard farmland quality and regional adaptability.

The 15th Five-Year Plan builds on achievements from the 14th plan (2021–25), which saw China withstand pandemic-related disruptions while advancing industrialization and urbanization. The new plan aims to address structural challenges, such as imbalanced rural-urban development, while fostering sustainable growth and technological self-reliance.

With international competition intensifying, China’s strategic investments in agriculture are positioned to bolster its economic resilience and long-term modernization trajectory. Investors and analysts will closely monitor policy implementation and its impact on rural productivity and food supply chain stability.

Beijing Review, "China's Five-Year Plans at a Glance: 14 Steps From Food..."
Global Agriculture, "China Cultivates More High-standard Farmland In 2025 Amid Modernization Drive."