Five-year review: China makes gains in shift towards greener, sustainable agriculture practices – AgTechNavigator.com

Report on Sustainable Agricultural Development in China

Reduction in Fertiliser Use and Enhanced Resource Efficiency

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) has reported significant progress in sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

1. Since 2020, China’s chemical fertiliser use has decreased by 5%, reaching 49.88 million tonnes.
2. Efficiency in fertiliser and pesticide use for major grain crops—wheat, corn, and rice—has improved to 43.3% and 44.1%, respectively.
3. Recycling of livestock and poultry manure has increased to 80.1%, promoting circular agriculture and waste reduction.

The MAE highlighted the diversification of ecological value conversion channels, emphasizing the integration of agricultural product processing with by-product utilization to foster a circular agricultural economy that transforms waste into valuable resources.

Growth in Green Food Market and Eco-Friendly Farming

• Green food sales have surpassed RMB 600 billion, reflecting growing consumer demand for sustainable produce.
• This demand has incentivized farmers to adopt standardized, environmentally friendly production methods, supporting SDG 12 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Strengthening Farmland and Water Resource Management

Efforts to enhance land productivity and water use efficiency contribute to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land):

• Farmland area has expanded to 1.94 billion mu (129.33 million hectares), an increase of 28 million mu since 2020.
• Over 1 billion mu (66.7 million hectares) of high-standard farmland has been established to ensure food security.
• The effective utilisation coefficient of farmland irrigation water has reached 0.580, reducing average irrigation per mu by 14 cubic meters and cutting total annual water use by 3.6 billion cubic meters.

Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation

Significant progress has been made in aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health, supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15:

• The ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River has led to improved aquatic biodiversity, with an increase of 36 native fish species.
• The aquatic biological integrity index has improved by two levels in the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake, and by three levels in Dongting Lake.
• In the Yellow River basin, soil and water conservation has reached 69.07%, with over 90% of water bodies classified as high-quality for two consecutive years.

Enhancement of Agricultural Product Quality

Aligned with SDG 2 and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the quality and safety of agricultural products have improved markedly:

• There are now 86,000 green, organic, specialty, and geographically indicated agricultural products nationwide.
• Production of high-quality rice, specialty wheat, and nutrient-rich soybeans has increased.
• Healthy livestock, poultry, and aquaculture farming practices have boosted the supply of premium beef, mutton, and aquatic products.
• Routine inspections indicate that over 98% of agricultural products meet safety and quality standards.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

These advancements represent positive outcomes of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, demonstrating integrated progress in resource conservation, environmental management, and agricultural modernization. The coordinated efforts across agricultural and rural authorities have simultaneously enhanced ecological and economic benefits, injecting strong “green momentum” into the sector.

China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan, expected to be finalized soon, is anticipated to further reinforce sustainable agricultural development in alignment with the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses improvements in agricultural productivity, food security, and quality produce, which directly relate to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article mentions improved irrigation water efficiency and water conservation efforts in farmland, which contribute to sustainable water management.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The reduction in fertilizer use, increased recycling of livestock waste, and circular agricultural practices align with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River and improvements in aquatic biodiversity relate to the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – Soil and water conservation in the Yellow River basin and enhancement of farmland quality contribute to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 6 Targets:
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.
3. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
5. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Fertiliser Use Reduction: The article states a 5% reduction in chemical fertiliser use to 49.88 million tonnes since 2020, which can be measured by the indicator of fertiliser consumption per hectare.
2. Fertiliser and Pesticide Efficiency: Efficiency rates of 43.3% for fertiliser and 44.1% for pesticides on major grain crops, measurable by input efficiency indicators.
3. Livestock Waste Recycling Rate: Recycling of livestock and poultry manure reaching 80.1%, an indicator of waste management effectiveness.
4. Farmland Area and Quality: Increase in farmland area to 1.94 billion mu and establishment of over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland, measurable by land use and quality indicators.
5. Water Use Efficiency: Effective utilisation coefficient of farmland irrigation water at 0.580 and reduction in water use by 3.6 billion cubic metres, indicators of water efficiency.
6. Aquatic Biodiversity Improvement: Increase in native fish species by 36 and improvement in aquatic biological integrity index, indicators of ecosystem health.
7. Soil and Water Conservation: Soil and water conservation reaching 69.07% and high-quality water bodies exceeding 90%, measurable by conservation coverage and water quality indicators.
8. Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products: Over 98% of agricultural products meeting safety and quality standards, measurable by product safety compliance rates.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: agtechnavigator.com