Chinese President Hu Jintao encouraged college students to help advance the country's modernization drive on the eve of Youth Day, calling on them to "nourish lofty ambitions."

Replying a letter from students and teachers of the China Agricultural University, Hu said he hoped they could nourish lofty ambitions and contribute to the country's endeavor to solve the issues concerning agriculture, farmers and rural areas.

He said the issues are on the top agenda of the central authorities, and the modernization of agriculture is a major task in the country's overall plan to realize modernization.

The task means huge responsibility for colleges and institutes specialized in agricultural studies, while at the same time it also offers a platform for agriculture learners and researchers to display their talents, Hu said.

The Beijing-based university is a top higher learning institution specialized in agriculture in China. Hu visited the university and talked with students and teachers there a year earlier before Youth Day, which falls on May 4.