December 25, 2014

China to boost grain yield, vows to raise farmers' income by 7.5% next year

China, promises to keep grain production well above 550 million tonnes and boost farmers' income in 2015 as part of its efforts to modernize agriculture.

Minister Han Changfu said the government aims to raise farmers' income by more than 7.5% in 2015. More favourable measures will be done, he said, to boost agricultural production to ensure a healthy economy.

Han's assurance came after a high-level national rural work conference concluded early this week. During the meeting, it was decided the government will strive to push forward agricultural modernization.

Han said stronger agriculture will be a new driving force to consumption and give policymakers more room to fine-tune the economy.

China's grain output grew 0.9% year on year to 607.1 million tonnes in 2014, marking increase for 11 years in a row, and the rural net income per capital increased 9.7% from a year ago in the first three quarters.