By Niu Xiong, Research Institute of Resources and Environment Policies, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC)

Report No 112, 2014 (Total 4611)

Summary:

The development of contiguous destitute areas to promote common prosperity is an essential part of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020. Destitute areas are facing many problems, such as insufficient internal impetus, single industrial structure, low income, backwards infrastructure and a lack of outlets for agricultural products. The key to get rid of poverty is to help farmers find jobs, on the condition that there are stable marketing channels for cash crops.

After field investigation, the study suggests that the country carry out pilot trials in one or several counties in the Yanshan Mountain-Taihang Mountain area in an attempt to build a well-off society in these destitute areas. The local town government could set up land trust companies and purchase land from farmers. The barren mountains and sloping fields, rather than farmland, would be made use of and can be in trust to large agricultural institutions. The government needs to provide jobs and sales channels for farmers. In addition, universities and research institutions can support and help the destitute areas by providing technology and training. More supportive and motivational policies should be formulated to reduce the cost of agricultural development in destitute areas.