China to improve efficiency, benefit, effectiveness of agriculture in next 5 years: researcher

China will enhance the efficiency, benefit and effectiveness of the issues related to agriculture, rural areas and rural residents over the next five years, as stated in the 15th Five-Year Plan, according to a researcher.

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development was approved by Chinese lawmakers on Thursday.

The plan reflects the principles of high-quality development in agriculture and permeates various aspects of agricultural and rural modernization, according to Tu Shengwei, a researcher from the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission.

The plan emphasizes the need to enhance agricultural efficiency by boosting labor productivity and increase the contribution of scientific and technological progress, as well as to place greater importance on developing agricultural science and technology, said Tu.

"The goal is to promote agricultural transformation from the traditional extensive development model to the one mainly driven by technological innovation, so as to achieve a transformation in the driving force, quality and efficiency of the agricultural sector," said Tu.

The plan also highlights the importance of enhancing benefit and effectiveness in agriculture, according to the researcher.

The former refers to advancing the development of high-tech agriculture, green agriculture, and quality and brand-based agriculture in a coordinated manner, so as to establish a development model that values both output and efficiency while maintaining a balance between production and ecological sustainability.

Effectiveness underscores improving the effectiveness of the policies that boost agriculture, benefit farmers and increase rural prosperity, according to Tu.

"Whether it's improving efficiency or enhancing benefit, the key lies in policy support. By continuously improving our policy system for boosting agriculture, benefiting farmers and making rural areas rich, while also breaking down institutional and systemic barriers, we can ensure the advancement of agricultural and rural modernization," said Tu.

China to improve efficiency, benefit, effectiveness of agriculture in next 5 years: researcher

Large protests took place in Rome on Saturday as trade unions and social groups rallied against military actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iran.

Demonstrators said the escalating tensions in the Middle East risk further destabilizing the region and increasing global tensions.

Saturday's rally was one of the largest recent demonstrations in the Italian capital opposing the strikes on Iran. Protesters said European countries should avoid being drawn into new military confrontations and instead push for diplomacy and dialogue to ease regional tensions.

For some, the strikes reflect a broader narrative of heightened tensions around the world, which they hope will be reigned in.

"The genocide in Palestine is still ongoing. Venezuela has been subjected to aggression. And now Iran is being bombed. We oppose dragging the world into war. We demand the right of people in every country to live in peace, and we call for peaceful diplomatic solutions," said Giuliano Granato, spokesperson of Power to the People, a political party in Italy.

Others emphasized that military conflicts may be used by governments as a distraction from the plight of everyday people.

"We are paying the price for these wars. It is workers, retirees and people on fixed incomes who are bearing the cost. We hope the government will take measures to address these economic impacts," said Guido Lutrario, member of the national executive of Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), an Italian labor union.

More than 1,300 people have been killed in Israeli and American strikes, Xinhua News Agency reported on Saturday, citing Iranian officials.

Protesters in Rome rally against US, Israeli strikes on Iran