Advances to boost farming called for

President Xi Jinping called on the China Association of Agricultural Science Societies on Tuesday to unite the country's agricultural scientists and technicians so they can achieve more for a national revival.

Xi delivered the message in a congratulatory letter to the association on its 100th anniversary.

As a leading agriculture organization, the association has been a key player in China's contemporary science and technology development in agriculture, Xi said. He hailed the group as an important force in promoting the country's agricultural development after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949－especially since the reform and opening-up drive initiated about 40 years ago.

China is seeking further development through its rural revitalization strategy, supply-side structural reform, pursuit of green agriculture and targeted poverty reduction measures, all of which put new demands on the country's agricultural science community and technology, Xi said.

He called on the group to carry on its fine traditions, keep up with the times and play a greater role in China's agricultural development.

Premier Li Keqiang also expressed congratulations in a written communication. He encouraged the association to carry out more extensive exchanges and cooperation with foreign counterparts, popularize agricultural knowledge and technology, step up the development of agricultural think tanks and train more talent.

Addressing a gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the group on Tuesday, Vice-Premier Wang Yang called on the association to facilitate innovation-driven development, help the country make scientific decisions and make efforts to improve public literacy in science.