On October 25th, the State Council Information Office held a press conference to discuss the agricultural and rural economic operations for the first three quarters of 2024. Xia Gengsheng, a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, stated that the ministry will enhance the regular mechanisms aimed at preventing poverty relapse among rural populations. He emphasized the need to improve monitoring methods to increase the efficiency of support efforts.
Xia highlighted that ensuring the sustainability of poverty alleviation achievements and maintaining a firm line against large-scale poverty relapse is a top priority for the ministry. There is active collaboration with local governments and relevant departments to ensure that responsibilities, policies, and initiatives are effectively implemented. As a result, the gains from poverty alleviation are being consolidated and broadened, showcasing greater quality and substance. A particularly positive outcome is the enhanced intrinsic motivation and development capacity of both impoverished regions and individuals.
He elaborated on several key aspects:
Regarding institutional frameworks, there is a focus on establishing mechanisms and stabilizing policies. This involves continuously refining the dynamic monitoring and support systems to ensure early detection, intervention, and assistance for those at risk of returning to poverty. Currently, it takes about two weeks from identifying an issue to implementing support measures. Stability of policies is maintained to ensure that assistance for impoverished areas and populations remains consistent, with funding increasing steadily over the years and evaluations conducted annually to ensure accountability.
In terms of operational advancement, the ministry emphasizes focusing on key issues and optimizing methods. The focus is on addressing significant risks related to health, education, disasters, and employment. This year, efforts have been directed towards regions affected by natural disasters and the prolonged decline in cattle prices, guiding local governments to effectively utilize “green channels” for immediate support to vulnerable farmers, streamlining processes to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of assistance.
When it comes to support measures, there is a dual approach of precision and collective efforts. Precision support means tailoring assistance to specific risks and developmental needs. For those capable and willing to work, at least one development-oriented measure is implemented. As of the end of September, over half of the monitored individuals benefited from industrial support, with employment for the impoverished population remaining stable at over 30 million nationwide, which saw an increase of 276,000 employed individuals in the third quarter. Collective support leverages east-west cooperation and designated aid from central units, as well as mobilizing private enterprises, NGOs, and individuals to strengthen collaborative efforts for more effective support.
Looking ahead, Xia stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress, enhancing the regular mechanisms to prevent rural poverty. This includes further optimizing monitoring methods and establishing a work mechanism for timely warnings, rapid responses, efficient verifications, and accurate support. The goal is to firmly uphold the principle of preventing large-scale poverty relapse while advancing overall rural revitalization.
