China has designated a special day for farmers to celebrate the annual harvest, the first festival created by the State specifically for the country's farmers.

Approved by the State Council, China's Cabinet, the annual harvest festival will be held on the day of the autumn equinox, which is usually between Sept 22-24. The first festival will be celebrated this year.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu said at a recent news conference that the designation of the harvest festival will be conducive to China's poverty alleviation work, the accomplishment of a well-off society and the implementation of the rural rejuvenation strategy.

"This year is the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, and China's reform started in the countryside," Han said.

The festival will show the great importance of rural work, speed up the implementation of China's rural vitalization strategy, and promote the faster development of agriculture and rural areas

Han also pointed out that the harvest festival is a nationwide festival that will involve farmers throughout the country.