August 25, 2005

China seeks to boost domestic grain production

China's Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu has called for provincial governments and farmers to raise domestic grain production, following an inspection of north-east China's Jilin province, one of the country's major grain producing regions.

The vice-premier, who oversaw China's agricultural sector, said domestic grain supply could not meet demand despite a good summer harvest and abundant early rice harvest.

He also stressed the need to maintain stable grain prices, while curbing excessive price increases in materials required for farming.