July 13, 2010

China calls on provincial effort to boost agricultural output

Chinese President Hu Jintao has stressed agricultural production and the role of grass-root party organisations during his visit to the city of Luoyang in central Henan province.

Hu urged the province to do a good job in agricultural production this year, as Henan contributes the largest share of crops in China, while calling on village-level party organisations to serve the interests of farmers while visiting a local village.

Supporting grain production is a long-term policy in China, Hu said, adding the state will again boost such support in the future so farmers can earn more and increase their wealth by planting grain.

China would continue to give priority to the development of rural areas, agriculture and farmers during the 12th five-year plan, China's development blueprint for the next five years, Hu said.

The country's grain yields have increased for six consecutive years, and this year the summer yield of grain is another good harvest, despite earlier bad weather.

Hu stressed that Henan, as China's bowl of grain, should take on the responsibility to safeguard the nation's food security and enhance its agricultural production capacity.