By Zhang Yunhua, Zhou Qunli, Yin Haodong, Han Yang, Research Department of Rural Economy, DRC

Research Report, No.252, 2020 (Total 5996) 2020-10-26

Abstract: The mountainous areas account for about two thirds of the total land areas of China. Compared with plains and basins, the development of agriculture in mountainous areas is relatively backward. However, the general survey in the mountainous areas of China and research findings collected from Lvliang mountainous areas in Shanxi province both show that based on unique natural, ecological and resource advantages as well as favorable economic conditions, the development of agriculture in mountainous areas enjoy huge potential for growth. China’s mountainous areas boast beneficial environmental conditions and natural advantages for diversified agricultural production. The ecological environment with clear waters and green mountains has the ecological advantages of producing green and high-quality agricultural products. With rich forage resources and strong environment carrying capacity, the mountainous areas enjoy the advantage to develop animal husbandry. With a large number of outflow people and the introduction of modern production in the mountainous areas, the agricultural sectors have gradually become capable of getting engaged in large-scale, mechanized and modernized farming. Industry-backed poverty alleviation has laid the foundation for the development of agriculture in mountainous areas. In the future, it is necessary for the government to provide more support and formulate specialized plans and tailored policies preferential for agricultural development in mountainous areas

Keywords: agriculture of mountainous areas, advantage, potential, policy support, specialized planning