How to fill the gap in farmland water conservancy? Innovating systems and mechanisms is key
Original title: Wang Yang: Accelerate innovation in systems and mechanisms to fill the shortcomings of farmland water conservancy
On the 4th, Wang Yang inspected the reform of farmland water conservancy and the development of water-saving agriculture in the Henghuba irrigation district of Luliang County. (File photo source: Yunnan Daily reporters Zhou Can and Gu Bin)
The national on-site meeting on farmland water conservancy reform was held in Qujing, Yunnan, from January 4 to 5. Vice Premier of the State Council Wang Yang attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He stressed that it is necessary to earnestly implement the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the Central Economic Work Conference, and the Central Rural Work Conference, and, in accordance with the new development concepts of innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing, accelerate the streamlining of systems and improvement of mechanisms, push farmland water conservancy construction onto a track of scientific development and sound operation, and provide strong support for advancing agricultural modernization.
Wang Yang pointed out that farmland water conservancy is a prominent shortcoming in agricultural development. To fill this shortcoming, it is necessary to rely on deepening reform, stimulate the vitality of market entities, and mobilize the enthusiasm of farmers and social forces to participate in farmland water conservancy construction. It is necessary to accelerate the improvement of the agricultural water price formation mechanism, and through measures such as quota management, progressive pricing, negotiated pricing, and targeted subsidies, neither increase the burden on farmers nor promote agricultural water conservation, creating a market environment conducive to the development of farmland water conservancy. It is necessary to innovate the investment and financing system, give play to the role of fiscal funds in leveraging much greater resources, and use methods such as civil-run with public assistance, build first and subsidize later, tax incentives, and cooperation between the government and social capital to attract social funds into farmland water conservancy construction. It is necessary to deepen the reform of the water conservancy property rights system, clarify ownership, loosen operating rights, and protect income rights, so as to promote the sound operation and effective management and protection of farmland water conservancy facilities. It is necessary to respect the pioneering spirit of the masses, encourage bold exploration at the grassroots level, do a good job in pilot demonstrations, promptly promote good experiences and practices from various places, and enhance the driving force and influence of reform. National water conservancy construction funds and related support policies should be tilted toward areas where reform is progressing quickly and achieving good results.
Before the meeting, Wang Yang and the representatives attending the meeting inspected farmland water conservancy and agricultural water price reform in Luliang County.