context: The PRC’s agricultural policy is entering a new phase. After years of strengthening food security, the focus during the 15th 5-year plan period is shifting towards improving productivity, upgrading supply and increasing the value created by agriculture. The next stage will combine higher grain output with stronger rural industries, wider technology use and deeper reforms to build a more competitive agricultural sector.
At a State Council briefing on 29 Sep 2026, Zhang Xingwang 张兴旺 MARA (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Afffairs) vice minister, said the 15th 5-year plan period will be an important stage for advancing agricultural and rural modernisation. Policy priorities will focus on improving agricultural capacity and supporting rural revitalisation.
The PRC’s grain production has remained stable in recent years. Annual output has stayed above 1.4 tn jin (840 bn kg) for two consecutive years, while grain availability per person has exceeded 500 kg. At the same time, consumption patterns are changing, with rising demand for meat, dairy products, seafood and higher-quality food. This means agricultural policy must focus not only on output, but also on quality and supply structure.
During the 15th 5-year plan period, the PRC will continue to raise grain production capacity while improving efficiency and product quality. The government aims to lift overall grain production capacity to around 1.45 trillion jin by the end of the period, with higher yields and better crop structures playing a larger role in future growth.
Beyond grain production, agriculture is also becoming more closely linked with processing, logistics, branding and consumer markets. Maidan 麦尔丹·木盖提 MARA vice minister, said that agriculture-related industries have expanded significantly, with food processing, rural e-commerce and rural tourism becoming increasingly important parts of the rural economy.
The next stage of rural industry development will place greater emphasis on extending agricultural value chains. By moving beyond primary production into processing, branding and services, agriculture can create more value and provide farmers with more opportunities to benefit from industrial growth.
Technology will be another major driver of agricultural upgrading. The PRC’s agricultural science and technology contribution rate has exceeded 64 percent. Future efforts will focus on bringing more technologies into farming, including smart equipment, biotechnology and digital tools, to improve productivity and efficiency.
The PRC’s food supply strategy is also becoming broader as consumer demand changes. Alongside traditional crop production, policy will support areas such as facility agriculture, aquaculture and other sources of food supply to provide a wider range of products and better meet demand for healthier and more diverse diets.
Rural reform will continue alongside industrial and technological development. Future measures will focus on land management, the use of rural resources and improving links between small farmers and modern agriculture. By supporting agricultural services and new forms of farm operation, policymakers aim to help smaller producers participate more effectively in modern agricultural value chains.
Overall, the key shift in the PRC’s agricultural development during the 15th 5-year plan period is moving from ensuring basic supply towards improving quality, efficiency and value creation. Alongside food security, raising agricultural productivity, strengthening rural industries and increasing farmers’ incomes will become central parts of agricultural modernisation.