China lays out plan for agricultural modernization by 2020

China aims to achieve "marked progress" in agricultural modernization by 2020, according to a five-year plan released by the State Council Thursday.

The country will strive to ensure food security, improve the quality and efficiency of farm produce supply, and enhance the sector's international competitiveness by 2020, the plan said.

It also targets all-round moderate prosperity for rural residents, and a beautiful countryside.

Modern agriculture should be established in the country's eastern coastal developed regions, major cities' suburbs, state farms and several demonstration areas, according to the plan.

The plan specified tasks to promote innovation, coordination, green development, opening up and farmers' welfare.

Fourteen key projects will be carried out to attain the plan's goals. They include projects to cultivate high-standard farmland, integrate various sub-industries and ensure farm produce quality.

Fiscal and financial support will be given to the agricultural sector, while better land policies and farm produce market regulations will be introduced, the plan said. Endi