Protecting Farmland: A Costly Proposition in China’s Development
By [Your Name], Senior Journalist
China’s commitment to safeguarding its1.8 billion mu (120 million hectares) of arable land is unwavering, a cornerstone of national security and food self-sufficiency. Yet,balancing this imperative with the country’s rapid industrialization and urbanization presents a complex challenge, as argued by prominent economist He Xuefeng in a recent article published onthe influential website Wuyou Zhixiang.
He Xuefeng emphasizes the need for a cost-conscious approach to land protection, arguing that blind adherence to preservation without considering economic realities could hinder China’s development. He highlights the historical trendof agricultural land conversion for non-agricultural purposes, particularly during the rapid economic growth of the 1980s and 1990s. While the 2008 revision of the Land Administration Law introduced stricter regulations, including the requirement for land use balance, the pressure on arable land remains.
He Xuefeng points to the decline in farmland quality as a major concern. Prime agricultural land, often located in fertile river valleys, is preferentially targeted for industrial and urban development, leaving less fertile land for replenishment. This trend is particularlypronounced in major agricultural regions like the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Chengdu Plain, where agricultural production has declined.
The introduction of permanent basic farmland – land designated solely for food production – aimed to address this issue. However, He Xuefeng argues that this policy, while well-intentioned, has unintended consequences. By prohibiting development on these lands, it can lead to urban sprawl and increased infrastructure costs, ultimately hindering economic growth.
He further criticizes the practice of increasing-decreasing balance, a mechanism used to compensate for land requisition by converting rural residential land into farmland. While this method aims tomaintain land balance, He Xuefeng argues that it often results in the creation of low-quality farmland, particularly in ecologically fragile areas. This, coupled with the migration of rural populations to cities, leads to abandoned land and wasted resources.
He Xuefeng advocates for a more nuanced approach to land protection, one that acknowledgesthe economic realities of development. He suggests that instead of focusing solely on preserving land quantity, efforts should be directed towards improving land quality through technological advancements and targeted investment. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that considers both economic and environmental factors.
He Xuefeng’s argument resonates with the broader debate on China’s development trajectory. While the need for food security is undeniable, the country’s ambitions for modernization and economic growth require a balanced approach to land management. His call for a cost-conscious approach to land protection highlights the need for a more nuanced and sustainable strategy for balancing development and environmental preservation.
This article provides valuableinsights into the complex challenges faced by China in managing its land resources. It underscores the need for a comprehensive and pragmatic approach that balances the competing demands of food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. As China continues its journey towards modernization, the debate on land management will remain crucial, and He Xuefeng’s perspectiveoffers a valuable contribution to this ongoing discussion.
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