BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- China will work to boost rural reform and the development of its agricultural sector in 2014. The pledge came from the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, who've jointly released China's first central policy document of the year.
The policy document has been dubbed the "No. 1 Central Document". It sets national policy priorities for the year.
This year, it underscores the importance of rural reform, developing modern agriculture and maintaining agriculture as the foundation of the national economy.
The document lists eight focal points for work related to the "three rural issues" -- agriculture, rural areas and farmers. It vows to improve the national food security system. The pricing mechanism of the agricultural products and the monitoring of quality and safety of agricultural products will be the main focus.
The document calls for improving assistance and protection for agriculture. Priority is given to innovation in agricultural technology and building agricultural markets.
A long-term mechanism for sustainable agriculture development and new agricultural management systems will be established. Rural governance and rural land reform shall be improved.
The document calls for a new, more innovative approach to the rural finance system. This includes new agencies and improving the agricultural insurance system.
Urban and rural development must be consolidated. Facilities in rural areas will be improved, and urbanization will be speeded up for farmers who have left the countryside.