Du told a national conference on agricultural development which closed Thursday that the transference of redundant rural labor was vital to the nation's economic progress and was an important strategic measure to realize the harmonious development of China's society.

The agriculture ministry would provide training and information for rural workers, safeguard their rights and interests and prevent discrimination, Du said.

He said efforts should be made to facilitate employment for redundant rural laborers in towns and cities and help them to deal with issues such as wages and work safety.

The great number of redundant rural laborers also hindered the income growth of Chinese farmers, Du said, contributing to the lagging rural market and the surplus of industrial and agricultural produce.

Government statistics show China has 158 million farmers working in non-agricultural industries and redundant rural laborers accounted for 18.6 percent of the whole rural population.

(People's Daily January 10, 2003)