中国工程科学 (Aug 2023)

Development Model for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Modern Agriculture in the Arid Region of Northwest China

  • Deng Mingjiang ,
  • Wang Quanjiu ,
  • Tao Wanghai ,
  • Wang Zitian ,
  • Cao Jingjing

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15302/J-SSCAE-2023.07.016
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 4
pp. 59 – 72

Abstract

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The arid region of Northwest China is a vital land resource reserve for China. However, restricted by water shortage and low land quality, high-quality agricultural development in this region is difficult to achieve. Therefore, it is urgent to explore a development path of modern ecological agriculture that is intensive and efficient. This study analyzed the current status and major problems of agricultural development in the arid region of Northwest China and constructed a theoretical framework for improving the quality and efficiency of modern agriculture in the region. The characteristics and functions of agricultural development in the grassland pastoral, agro-pastoral, rain-fed agricultural, and irrigated agricultural areas in this region were clarified. Based on the optimal allocation of natural, scientific, economic, and social resources of agriculture, the study proposed core technologies or methods for achieving breakthroughs in efficient use of water and soil resources, planting structure adjustment and mode optimization, technological innovation in precise control of agricultural production, industrialization, and sustainable development. Four development models with distinctive regional characteristics were formed: (1) modern ecological agriculture in pastoral areas emphasizing forage and green manure crop production; (2) modern ecological agriculture in agro-pastoral areas with equal emphasis on forage, grain, and cash crop production; (3) modern ecological agriculture in rain-fed areas emphasizing grain, forestry, and fruit production; and (4) modern ecological agriculture in irrigated areas emphasizing grain, cash crop, forestry, and fruit production. Thus, the production, ecological, teaching, research, and leisure functions of agriculture can be realized. To promote the high-quality development of the modern ecological agriculture in the arid region of Northwest China, the following countermeasures are proposed: (1) scientifically planning the agricultural development pattern by optimizing agricultural function zoning, (2) improving the compensation mechanism for ecological agriculture and creating a green accounting system, (3) promoting industrial integration and establishing a development concept of modern ecological agriculture, (4) constructing a green technology innovation and promotion service system for the development of modern ecological agriculture, and (5) cultivating agricultural and rural talents to improve the talent policy system.

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