China's Agriculture Green Development: Progress and Challenges (1997–2020)

Overview

In 2015, China started its Agriculture Green Development (AGD) plan. It joined a larger green plan. The AGD wants food security. It also wants to use resources well and keep farms eco-friendly. This plan moves farming away from old ways. It shifts from intensive methods to sustainable and quality care.

Indicator System to Assess AGD Progress

Researchers built a national indicator system. This system covers three parts. One part looks at socioeconomic factors. Another part measures food production. The third part checks eco-environmental conditions. Ten sub-parts join to form one AGD score. This score runs from 0 to 100. ## Key Findings

Stage 1: 1997–2010

• The AGD score was near 40 out of 100.
• Social factors improved.
• Resource use dropped.
• Environmental quality fell.
• The costs to the environment went up.

This stage shows clear ups and downs. Social gains did not ease the environmental strain or poor resource use.

Stage 2: 2011–2020

• The AGD score rose to about 46.3 out of 100.
• All three parts grew between 5.3% and 25%.
• Policies and projects made the plan real and active.

Challenges and Trade-offs

Trade-offs block progress. Conflicts arise between eco-protection and the need for social growth and more food. Problems include overusing resources, polluting air and water, and uneven growth across regions. Since the 1980s, rapid farming has caused big changes. Nitrogen use has tripled. Phosphorus use has increased elevenfold. Pesticide use nearly doubled. These shifts hurt soil, boost greenhouse gases, and endanger biodiversity.

Societal Context

China feeds 18% of the world. It does this with only 8% of the available farmland. The country beat extreme poverty. Yet, challenges hold strong. Rural and urban incomes differ. Land and nutrition issues come up. Hidden hunger, plus rising diabetes and obesity, also trouble the nation. The demand for healthier food calls for balanced and eco-friendly farming.

Recommendations

Stronger coordination is needed between regions and sectors. Policies should mix plans that boost output, protect nature, and improve social welfare. It is essential to use resources wisely and build strong ecosystems.

Conclusion

China’s Agriculture Green Development makes steady progress. It seeks a balance between food security and environmental care. The AGD score system is a useful tool for checks and steps ahead. Yet, solving trade-offs and regional gaps is key for lasting sustainability.

Source

Zhang, H., Feng, Y., Jia, Y., Liu, P., et al. (2023). China’s Agriculture Green Development: from Concept to Actions. Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering. DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2023512
(Open Access under CC BY license)

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