East China's Jiangxi Province takes effective measures to eliminate poverty

Officials say Jiangxi Province has taken effective measures to lift its people out of poverty, and protect its environment at the same time.

Jiangxi is an important province in the nationwide campaign against poverty, with a population of about 46 million.

The local government has prioritized poverty alleviation for years.

People view rapeseed flowers in Wuyuan, east China's Jiangxi Province, March 17, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua]

Gong Liangbao is an official with the poverty alleviation office in Jiangxi.

"By the end of 2018, the poverty-stricken population dropped to 510,000 from 2 million at the end of 2015. Of all the 3058 poverty-stricken villages, 2671 villages had been crossed off from the list."

Since 2016, the province has invested over 5 billion US dollars into its fight against poverty, and sent over 50,000 officials into villages to solve specific cases.

Xinyue Village Head Lan Nianying started a travel agency in her village, which has beautiful natural scenery and a special culture that belongs to the She ethnic group.

"The environment in our village is unparalleled. Besides, we She people have our own culture and our unique customs. We are better poised to develop tourism."

During the past Spring Festival, more than 10,000 visited the village.

The villagers, now with an annual income of over 13,000 yuan per person, have all witnessed their life shifting from poverty to decency.

The provincial target in 2019 is to lift 400,000 more people out of poverty.

Environmental protection is also a top task for Jiangxi.

Since 2018, the province has launched 30 anti-pollution operations to improve air quality, clean up rivers and lakes, and more.

Last year, Jiangxi's PM2.5 density fell by over 20 percent from 2015 and the water quality in the province has also been improved.