Staff replace winter aquatic vegetables on ecological floating islands in Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou, on Nov 24, 2025. [Photo/IC]

Zhejiang province highlighted four defining features of its agricultural and rural development during China's 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), according to a provincial news conference held on Nov 26.

Efficiency and ecology

Over the past five years, Zhejiang has strengthened its modern agricultural industry, production, and business systems. By the end of 2024, the province had developed 126 agricultural industry chains, each worth more than 1 billion yuan ($140.4 million), with a combined output of 321.6 billion yuan and creating jobs for 4.7 million people.

Prosperity and beauty

Rural per capita disposable income has reached 42,786 yuan, ranking first among all provincial-level regions for 40 consecutive years. The urban-rural income ratio has narrowed to 1.83 for the 12th straight year. Zhejiang now has six Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems sites, the most of any province in China.

Balance and coordination

Zhejiang has rolled out 16 integrated policy measures to advance high-quality urban-rural development. Urban infrastructure continues to extend into rural areas, with more than 90 percent of public transport networks integrated across cities and villages. Rural drinking water meets quality standards at a rate above 98 percent, power supply reliability has reached 99.99 percent, and 5G and fiber networks now cover all key administrative villages.

Creativity and vitality

The province has nurtured more than 100,000 entrepreneurs and 584,000 modern farmers during the period. Zhejiang has also deepened reforms in agricultural administrative services, launching a digital platform connecting farmers and government departments.