BLUF: This study explores the impact of reallocating idle rural residential land on promoting balanced development in China, finding that industry development positively affects overall development, with higher industry indices leading to better outcomes. Reallocation of idle land can also contribute to sustainable development, increase residents’ income, and improve regional economic development.
The study focuses on the importance of effectively utilizing idle resources for sustainable development. China has also recognized the significance of bridging the urban-rural divide and has undertaken efforts to develop rural industries. Previous research has highlighted the influence of biased policies, infrastructure development, and industrial growth on narrowing the urban-rural gap. The county economy, acting as a junction between urban and rural areas, plays a crucial role in promoting social and economic integration.
The paper aims to measure the inclusive affluence promoted by industrial development driven by idle rural land. It constructs the inclusive affluence index to assess the balanced development of urban and rural areas and verifies the positive role of regional industrial development and rural industry development in promoting this balance. The economic value of utilizing rural idle land is quantified, providing impetus for its utilization and offering new insights into the reallocation of idle land resources.
The study focuses on Zhejiang Province in China, analyzing relevant data from the region. Zhejiang Province has witnessed significant growth in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery industries, as well as rural leisure agriculture. The integration of real estate has also been successful, with a considerable amount of idle rural residential land available for reallocation.
Overall, the findings of this study suggest that industry development positively impacts the balanced development of urban and rural areas. Reallocating idle rural residential land can contribute to sustainable development, increase residents’ income levels, and enhance regional economic growth.