Vice-Premier Liu Yandong urged agricultural innovation based on science and technology, as an effort to realize the country’s agricultural modernization on April 17.

This will greatly help to ensure food security, farmers’ income growth, as well as China’s endeavor to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, Liu said at a symposium about agricultural science and technology innovation in Beijing.

She spoke highly of the contribution made by scientific workers in the field of agriculture and noted the significance of agriculture in keeping economic growth, facilitating restructuring, improving people’s living conditions and promoting reforms.

The significant improvement of technological innovation in agriculture is not only part of the country’s strategy of innovation-driven development, but also the necessary choice in order to realize the transformation and upgrade of agricultural development, she said.

According to Liu, innovation should be focused on breaking down barriers in crucial techniques on food security, resources and environment.

At the symposium, she asked efforts to be done to deepen institutional reforms of agricultural research, step up the application of scientific achievements in agriculture, and strengthen related personnel training system.

The vice-premier also inspected the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science before the symposium.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong (2nd R, front) inspects the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science before a symposium about agricultural science and technology innovation in Beijing, capital of China, April 17, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]