Pesticide, sewage remain problems in rural areas

Environmental challenges caused by pesticide overuse and untreated sewage remain a major obstacle for China in its modernization of agriculture and rural areas by 2050, according to a report released on July 25.

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Rural Development Report 2018 focuses on agricultural development and the living conditions of residents in rural areas.

Wei Houkai, director of the CASS Rural Development Institute, said environmental issues - including soil acidification - have degraded rural areas in recent years. Major problems have included the overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and improper disposal of poultry excrement.