Rocky road to rural reform

A rural work conference that vowed to push forward agricultural modernization through reform and innovation concluded in Beijing in late December.

The country made progress in rural development last year, with the 11th consecutive bumper harvest and an increase in farming income, which set the tone for the coming year, according to a statement released after the two-day conference.

"However, China is facing unprecedented challenges if it wants to achieve sustained and stable development in the agricultural sector," said the statement. Challenges include rising agricultural production costs, impaired cultivation and limited arable land and fresh water.