Rural revitalization does not mean dying villages should get life support

THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS talked about the country's "hollowed-out villages" twice in its meetings this month, calling on the whole society to pay attention to developing rural industries to help prevent the collapse of rural communities. Beijing News comments:

The ministry suggests that the left-behind populations of some villages can be pooled together to form new villages, and rural industries can be developed to help attract migrant workers and other talents.

In fact, it is far-fetched to deem the empty villages as a sign of the failure of the rural development plan, as it is a natural part of the country's fast urbanization. Some small cities and counties are also going through similar pains, which is a result of the migration of the rural population and productivity factors.