Visitors learn about achievements of Yutai's rural vitalization. [Photo/Wechat account: gh_ccfd1293bad8]

Efforts to invigorate rural areas in Yutai county of Jining, Shandong province will be ramped up, officials announced on Aug 17.

In the past few years, Yutai has taken steps to develop distinctive and competitive industries as well as promote the integrated development of primary, secondary and tertiary industries.

In 2022, 1,642 farmers' cooperatives, 412 family farms and 59 value-added agricultural product processing enterprises were introduced to Yutai. Agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries in Yutai generated an added value of 6.7 billion yuan ($920.2 million), an increase of 6.4 percent, the highest in Jining.

Yutai has been moving quickly to cultivate new agricultural business entities to build confidence in those willing to stay and work in the countryside. In 2022, 520 million yuan of guaranteed loans was provided to 3,205 entrepreneurs and self-employed farmers who returned to their hometowns to start their own businesses.

Actions have also been taken to improve the rural environment in Yutai. More than 2.26 billion yuan has been spent to improve the water system. 

Yutai is planning to further tap the potential of rural growth by developing rural tourism and exploring modernized agriculture approaches.