Stepping into the abalone farm of Guo Handong in Aojiao Village, Chen Cheng Town, Dongshan County, Fujian Province, one can’t help but notice the new seedling pond and the mature abalone pond lined up on either side. The aquaculture intelligent control system operates efficiently in the background. Over the years, Guo Handong has sold his abalone seedlings to northern Fujian and Zhejiang, steadily increasing his income from aquaculture.
In 2001, then-Fujian Province Governor Xi Jinping visited Guo’s home in Aojiao Village, encouraging local residents with a promise that rural policies would only improve in the future. Reflecting on that moment, Guo shared, “Those words have always inspired me.”
Recently, during his inspection tour in Fujian, General Secretary Xi Jinping made Aojiao Village his first stop, examining the environmental conditions of Aojiao Bay and the village’s overall appearance, while also gaining insights into the trade of dried seafood and fishermen’s catches. “The General Secretary came back to our village, and it truly inspires us,” Guo remarked.
For the past 23 years, Guo has witnessed the remarkable transformation of Aojiao Village. In the past, villagers relied solely on fishing for their livelihood; now, the community boasts diverse industries including aquaculture, fishing, e-commerce, homestays, and tourism, providing multiple avenues for income. Looking to the future, Guo expressed plans to expand his farming operations and invest in new equipment, stating, “Our lives will definitely get better!”
Since the beginning of the new era, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, with Xi Jinping at its core, has placed great importance on agricultural issues. China’s agricultural development has achieved remarkable results, with modern agriculture flourishing and new rural industries emerging. Regions across the country are leveraging their resources, geographical advantages, industrial foundations, and market demands. They are focusing on local specialties and effectively using rural e-commerce and live-streaming sales models to broaden the market for agricultural products. Brands such as “Qinzhou Yellow Millet,” “Luochuan Apples,” and “Cixi Bayberries” are gaining recognition. As a result, farmers’ incomes have increased significantly, enhancing their sense of gain and satisfaction. The latest data reveals that in the first three quarters of this year, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in China was 16,740 yuan, marking a real growth of 6.3%.
In the beautiful vision of Chinese-style modernization, comprehensive rural revitalization is a key component. The decision adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee emphasizes the importance of “improving support systems that benefit and enrich farmers,” “developing county-level industries to enhance wealth,” and “cultivating new rural industries and business models.” On this hopeful terrain, it is essential to develop local specialty industries tailored to regional conditions and create more unique brands, ensuring that farmers’ lives continue to flourish.
