Xiaozhan Rice, a century-old imperial rice variety, thrives in the Xiguanfang village, Jinnan district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tianjin has responded quickly to follow the guidance and directions announced as part of the CPC Central Committee's proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035. These proposals were adopted at the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, which closed on Oct 29.

The plenary session prioritized the development of agriculture and rural areas and the pursuit of a rural revitalization strategy.

"Addressing issues relating to agriculture, rural areas, and rural people are fundamental to Tianjin as they directly concern our residents' stability and our people's wellbeing," said Shen Xin, head ofthe city’s agriculture and rural committee. "We've put the development of agriculture and rural areas in a central place on our work agenda. We will consolidate the basic rural operation system, secure food security, stick to ecological and green development and improve infrastructure in rural areas."

Cultivating rice with crabs, a popular rice planting project in North China, is used in 5.3 hectares in the village. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To make that happen, the city has built high-standard farmland, applied scientific and technological methods to improve yields, and offered financial packages and support to the rural industrial chain. The city has seen increasing amounts of grain and vegetable growing to ensure the city's grain and vegetable supply.

The plenary session proposed to promote green development and promote the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Wang Xudong, deputy head of Jizhou district, said: “Jizhou is a key ecological conservation area in Tianjin and has a great responsibility for ecological protection. We have firmly established the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and insist on respecting and protecting nature."

Jizhou has witnessed a payoff for its great efforts to protect its water sources, restore its mine pits and pursue afforestation. The plenary session also proposed to improve the quality of life of the people and implement a national strategy to respond to an aging population.

Hexi provides its elderly residents with inexpensive, nutritious food, with each meal costing an average of 13 yuan ($1.95) per person. Canteens will be granted a government subsidy of 2 yuan for each person dining there.

Li Xin, head of the district civil affairs bureau of, said: “We will make every effort to promote the pilot work of home care services in Hexi. We follow the plenary session's direction for promoting the healthy and sustainable development of home care for the elderly."