Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attended the symposium.

On Tuesday, Xi inspected Jiansanjiang, an important grain production base in Heilongjiang Province. At a local agricultural machinery center, Xi listened to briefings on modern agriculture development, grain production and water resource utilization.

In the rice field, Xi talked with farmers on grain production and asked about their livelihoods.

Xi stressed that agricultural reclamation has made significant contributions to ensuring national food security and supporting national development while maintaining stability at the borders.

He called for implementing the new development philosophy and accelerating the development of large modern agricultural bases, companies and industries.

"It is necessary to speed up the development of green agriculture and work to avoid the loss and degradation of black soil," Xi said. "China should always have control over its own food supply."

At an agricultural science park at Jiansanjiang, Xi was briefed on the research and application of agricultural technology.

China's modernization cannot be achieved without agricultural modernization, the key to which is science and technology and talent, Xi said, adding that more prominence should be attached to the development of agricultural technology and vigorous efforts should be made to advance mechanized agriculture and smart farming.

On Wednesday morning, Xi inspected two large state-owned equipment manufacturers in Qiqihar, an old industrial base in Heilongjiang Province.